Report on the Fifth Anniversary of Downing of Flight PS752: Sydney

The fifth anniversary of downing of Flight PS752 was commemorated on January 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the T1 Hall of Macquarie University, Sydney. The event aimed to honor the memory of the victims, amplify the message of solidarity, and advocate for justice. It was organized, coordinated, and executed by the Sydney Solidarity Group, which has been instrumental in keeping the victims’ memory alive and fostering unity among families and supporters through various events over the recent years.

Honouring Memories, Seeking Justice: Highlights from the Fifth Anniversary in Sydney

The ceremony opened with a film presented by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims. The film explored the multiple facets of the tragedy, highlighted the Association’s relentless pursuit of justice, and underscored the importance of preserving the victims’ memory. It served as a powerful introduction, emphasizing the gravity of the tragedy and the ongoing necessity of seeking justice.

Mohammad Hashemi, a family member of one of the victims of the Islamic regime in Iran and co-founder of the Sydney Solidarity Group, then welcomed the attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their support. He emphasized the significance of such gatherings and highlighted the role of international solidarity and collective efforts by victims’ families in advancing the cause of justice.

The first part of a BBC documentary was subsequently screened, offering a deep dive into the oppressive system of the Islamic Republic in Iran and its connection to crimes like the downing of Flight PS752. The documentary painted a comprehensive picture of systemic injustice and enduring repression, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Next, Alidad Ebneddin Hamidi, a family member of the victims of the flight PS752, delivered a speech addressing the following topics:

• The Early Years of Grief: He reflected on the immense challenges during the first two years following the tragedy, illustrating the isolation and profound sorrow faced by families. He mentioned Hamed Esmaeilion, who stood in the streets of canada holding pictures of his loved ones, as a symbol of survivors’ pain and resilience.
• The Whirlpool of Grief and Returning to Life: Using the metaphor of a “whirlpool of grief,” Alidad explained that while the pursuit of justice emerged from deep sorrow, it has helped the families find a way back to life. He highlighted actions such as establishing scholarships, building a school named after Kamyar Ebneddin Hamidi, and equipping a children’s hospital as examples of transforming grief into creative energy.
• The Formation of the Families’ Association: Alidad explained that the families’ initial efforts resembled separate streams that preserved their connection to life. With the formation of the Association, these streams converged into a river of justice-seeking, uniting their voices and strengthening the path to justice.
• Joining the Ocean of Justice-Seeking: With the rise of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution, the families’ river of justice-seeking merged into the vast ocean of justice-seeking by the Iranian people. This movement transformed the families’ efforts into part of a broader campaign for freedom and justice on a national and international scale.
• Inspiring Stories of Justice-Seeking: Alidad shared stories of perseverance and justice-seeking by figures such as Mohammad Hashemi, Manzar Zarabi and Abbas Sadeghi, and Mashallah Karami, highlighting their resilience.

The second part of the BBC documentary explored the details of the downing of flight PS752 and its multifaceted implications. This segment focused on the missile strike on the plane, the events leading up to it, and its aftermath. It examined the poor decisions and cover-ups by the Islamic Republic and showcased how the victims’ families have, despite ongoing repression, bolstered global solidarity through years of justice-seeking efforts. From legal actions to international storytelling, the documentary highlighted the impact of survivors’ resistance in raising global awareness and demanding justice.

Achievements of the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims

In his speech, Alidad Ebneddin Hamidi outlined the accomplishments of the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims:

• Legal and International Efforts: Advancing cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to hold the Islamic Republic accountable, filing an independent case with the International Criminal Court (ICC), and pressuring the Canadian government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
• Cultural and Publishing Activities: Publishing memoirs of victims’families such as “It Should Not Have Been Written”, and participating in international book fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair to raise awareness about the PS752 tragedy.
• Memorial Events and Social Gatherings: Regularly organizing commemorative events, including candlelight vigils, speeches, cultural programs, and sports activities such as a 5K run/walk for justice.
• Psychological and Social Support: Establishing support groups for grieving families and holding workshops on memoir writing, psychological counseling, and legal rights.

Examples of Resilience and Justice-Seeking

During the event, Alidad Ebneddin Hamidi shared inspiring examples of justice-seeking and perseverance:

• Mohammad Hashemi, who, after losing his cousin Mohammad Kazemi during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, founded the “AusIran” organization to advocate for human rights and justice.
• Manzar Zarrabi and Abbas Sadeghi, who, despite losing four family members, continue to stand firm in international advocacy and street protests.
• Mashallah Karami, who transformed the grief of losing his son into acts of kindness and a beacon of justice and support for the needy.

Closing Message

Alidad Ebneddin Hamidi concluded his remarks with a quote from Manzar Zarrabi: “The sun will rise for the sprouting buds.” This message symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of sorrow and serves as a reminder that the individual and collective efforts of the families have now, through the formation of the Association and the synergy with the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, become a vast ocean of solidarity and national and international resistance.

By: Alidad Ebneddin Hamidi