Issuance of Decree Establishing ‘Transitional Justice Regulations Drafting Committee’ by Reza Pahlavi

Prince Reza Pahlavi, following his transition plan after the Islamic Republic, has issued a decree establishing the ‘Transitional Justice Regulations Drafting Committee.’

As discussions intensify regarding Iran’s political future, Reza Pahlavi is among the figures who have attempted to outline the transition period from the Islamic Republic through a specific framework. In this context, ‘transitional justice’ has held a special position as one of the main pillars of this plan; a concept that has been employed in many countries following transitions from authoritarian governments to address human rights violations.

In his latest step, he has announced the formation of a specialized institution to design the mechanisms of this justice; an institution tasked with both uncovering the truth and holding accountable those responsible for violating citizens’ rights. This approach demonstrates an effort to break the cycle of revenge and move toward justice based on law.

Prince Reza Pahlavi released a message regarding the establishment of this committee, which reads as follows:

“My dear compatriots, I say to you who have been victims of injustice, torture, and oppression by the Islamic Republic over the past five decades. To the grieving mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers in mourning seeking justice, to whom this Zahhak regime has added pain and suffering year after year, month after month, and day after day.

Today, with pride and in pursuit of realizing justice for each and every one of you, I have issued the decree establishing the ‘Transitional Justice Regulations Drafting Committee.’ This committee will be tasked with drafting the regulations for a court and a truth commission.

The members of this committee are specialized and experienced Iranians from four different generations: Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Mr. Iraj Mesdaghi,

Dr. Leila Bahmani, Dr. Afshin Elian. Ms. Ebadi has accepted the chairmanship of this committee.

Furthermore, some of the most prominent international human rights lawyers will serve as advisors to this committee. Transitional justice is an important part of our lawful transition program.

Truth will be revealed, justice will be served, and light will triumph over darkness.

Long live Iran.”

In this framework, the presence of figures such as Shirin Ebadi at the head of this committee demonstrates an emphasis on a legal and international approach in designing transition mechanisms. Additionally, the participation of human rights experts from outside the country can help increase the credibility and alignment of this plan with international standards.

However, this plan, like other transition period proposals, faces serious challenges; including how to implement it amid complex political circumstances, ensuring the impartiality of judicial institutions, and how to build consensus among various opposition forces. Critics argue that the success of such a plan depends, above all, on the degree of social acceptance and its operational capacity under real circumstances.

Overall, the transition plan presented by Reza Pahlavi is an effort to present a vision of a future based on justice and accountability; a future whose realization will require overcoming political obstacles and achieving national convergence.