Iran deputy FM faces crimes against humanity complaint in Switzerland - AFP

A complaint has been filed in Switzerland accusing Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi of crimes against humanity linked to the crackdown on anti-government protests following the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, AFP reported, citing lawyers.

The complaint, lodged by an Iranian-Swiss citizen, alleges Gharibabadi may have committed serious crimes under international law and calls for his arrest while he is in Geneva this week.

Lawyers William Bourdon and Philippine Vaganay said the deputy minister could be considered a co-perpetrator or bear responsibility as a hierarchical superior at the time of the events.

“We expect the Swiss authorities to arrest the accused as soon as possible,” the lawyers said in a statement, arguing that Swiss and international law oblige authorities to act to prevent impunity for serious crimes.