The Iranian‑American Community of North Texas is bringing a sobering historical exhibit to Plano this weekend. On Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Parr Library at 6200 Windhaven Parkway will host a photo exhibition and panel discussion that examines the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners in Iran and the nation’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
What the exhibit will show
Organizers say the display will feature rare photographs, original documents and a copy of the execution decree signed by former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Visitors will also see video testimonies recorded by prisoners before their deaths, as well as personal accounts from former political detainees.
Connecting past and present
The 1988 killings took place during the final months of the Iran‑Iraq War, when thousands of opposition activists were summarily executed after brief hearings before so‑called “death commissions.” International human‑rights groups and United Nations experts have long called for a full investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The Plano event will also address more recent unrest, including the wave of protests that began in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Organizers argue that the government’s response to today’s demonstrators mirrors the repressive tactics used in 1988, underscoring a pattern of silencing dissent.
Who is behind the event
The Iranian‑American Community of North Texas, which sponsors the exhibit, identifies as a supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition coalition that advocates for an end to executions and the establishment of a secular democratic republic in place of the current theocratic regime.
“We want our community to understand the true cost of authoritarian rule and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer for speaking out,” said a spokesperson for the group. “By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire a commitment to religious liberty, individual freedom, and the rule of law—principles that our nation holds dear.”
Open to the public
The exhibition is free and open to anyone interested in learning about Iran’s human‑rights challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists, which include former political prisoners and scholars familiar with the country’s recent history.
Local faith leaders and community organizations have been invited to attend, reflecting Plano’s tradition of welcoming diverse voices while upholding the values of family, faith, and liberty.
Why it matters to Plano residents
While the exhibit focuses on events abroad, it resonates with Plano’s own commitment to protecting individual liberty and religious freedom. The city’s libraries have long served as gathering places for civic education, and this program adds a global dimension to that mission.
Residents who wish to learn more about the exhibit or volunteer can contact the Iranian‑American Community of North Texas through their website or by calling the library directly.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
