First Court Session for August 19, 1953 Coup
WANA (Aug 18) — The inaugural court session addressing the 1953 Iranian coup d’état began today, August 18, with over 400,000 Iranian citizens filing a lawsuit against multiple entities, including the U.S. government, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Reserve, and the CIA. Judge Hossein Zadeh presided over this case, which was heard at Branch 55 of the International Affairs Court of the Imam Khomeini Judicial Complex.
Judge Hossein Zadeh opened the session by confirming the case’s legitimacy, citing both domestic laws and international charters. He emphasized that the right to seek justice is enshrined in the Iranian Constitution and that the court is fully authorized to hear this claim.
The lawsuit, as outlined, involves allegations against the U.S. and its allies for orchestrating the August 19, 1953, coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.
Shami Aghdam, the plaintiffs’ attorney, detailed that the legal action, organized by a coalition of Iranian legal experts, seeks to address the significant damages suffered by Iran due to the coup. The lawsuit aims to recover damages for the economic, political, and cultural harm inflicted by the U.S. and its allies, particularly the UK, during the coup and the subsequent period of American influence in Iran.
Iran’s Lawsuit Against the U.S.: Seeking Accountability for the 1953 Coup
WANA (August 14) – On August 13, 2024, a ceremony was held at the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran to unveil Iran’s lawsuit against the United States for orchestrating the August 19, 1953 coup. This event, attended by several prominent Iranian figures, highlighted the legal action that has reportedly garnered over 400,000 signatures. […]
Aghdam elaborated on the role of the CIA and British intelligence in planning and executing the coup, which aimed to replace the pro-nationalization government with one favourable to Western interests. The coup resulted in over two decades of detrimental influence on Iran’s sovereignty, economic resources, and political stability.
The attorney criticized past governments’ inaction in pursuing these claims despite ample evidence and legal frameworks. He urged the court to hold the U.S. accountable for its historical crimes and to provide reparations for the damages sustained by the Iranian people. The session included the presentation of declassified documents and evidence from U.S. archives confirming the involvement of American and British intelligence agencies in the coup.
The legal team emphasized the need for justice to address the long-term impacts of the coup, including economic exploitation, political repression, and the erosion of Iranian sovereignty. They argued that the coup marked the beginning of extensive American control over Iran, significantly disrupting its path to independence and development.
The plaintiffs seek not only financial compensation but also a formal acknowledgement of the historical wrongs committed by the U.S. and its allies. They believe this will provide a measure of justice for the Iranian people and help prevent future foreign interference in Iran’s domestic affairs.
The judge concluded by stating that the lawsuit was directed against the U.S. government and its officials. The defendants have been formally invited to participate through the U.S. Department of State and were aware of the lawsuit’s proceedings. The evidence submitted by the plaintiffs, who number approximately 402,000, includes admissions from the U.S. government. Further proceedings on this case will continue at the next session.
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