Press Statement On the cowardly terrorist act of assassination of top Iranian Scientist Prof. Dr Fakhrizadeh

In the Name of God

The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful

 In an act of cowardice and state terrorism, Prof. Dr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a prominent Iranian scientist and head of the Defence ministry's research and innovation organisation, was assassinated near the capital Tehran, on Friday 27 November 2020.

Martyr Fakhrizadeh was a distinguished Physicist and a university professor, who carried out and contributed to various scientific initiatives including the chemical, biological and nuclear passive defence fields for protective purposes. One of the latest services of Martyr Fakhrizadeh was his outstanding role in the development of the first indigenous COVID-19 Test Kit, which is a great contribution to our national efforts in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when Iran is under inhumane sanctions of the United States, strictly preventing our access to humanitarian goods including medicines and medical equipment. He was also supervising the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Iran adversaries, finding themselves swimming against the tide of developments, both regional and international, resort to such reckless and criminal acts with the aim of  hampering diplomatic approach and dialogue to resolution of differences at regional and international levels, creating a full-scale crisis to de-stabilize the region and render the implementation of the nuclear deal difficult.  

This blatant act of state terrorism, comes at a time when Iran has announced that in response to the possible return of all parties to the JCPOA and lifting of sanctions, it would be willing to engage in negotiations to help facilitate the full implementation of the nuclear deal.

Obviously, this approach blunts the criminal efforts and policies of some hostile countries and terrorist groups opposed to Iran.

Iranian authorities have clearly stated that they are wiser than to fall into the trap laid by warmongers and evil forces, but reserve the right to respond to this and other crimes in an appropriate manner, and at a time of their choosing. 

The campaign to eliminate Iranian scientists in the belief that it would derail Iran’s nuclear programme or hamper its scientific advances and achievements is a gross miscalculation. On the contrary, if anything, these deplorable acts will strengthen the nation’s resolve and determination to vigorously pursue the goal of attaining advanced scientific knowledge, including in the field of peaceful nuclear science, and realization of its rights under international law.

Assassination and extrajudicial killing of a government official is a flagrant and grave violation of international law, human rights, as well as international norms and standards. 

Considering the dire implication of such horrific act and dangerous provocations on international peace and security and that terrorism as a formidable challenge to the international community requires collective response, we call upon all countries especially European countries to uphold their obligation under international law in fighting terrorism and condemn such inhumane act in the strongest terms.

We believe that the adoption of double –standard approach towards countries when it comes to fight against terrorism will not only be counter – productive, but it will also doom efforts in the global fight against terrorism. Today, countries that see themselves at the forefront of human rights and combating terrorism are being put into a decisive historical test. They should be responsive to the nation of Iran, more than 17000 of whom lost their lives due terrorism, as to why they are keeping silence over such heinous terrorist activities.

Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy - Sofia