Did Giuliani And Co. Provide ‘Material Support’ To Terrorist Group?
(Mojahedin Khalq, MKO, MEK, NCRI, Rajavi cult)
.
... The group’s hatred of the Islamic Republic led it to ally with Saddam Hussein, and it fought on the Iraqi side of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Following the Gulf War, “the group reportedly assisted in the Iraqi Republican Guard’s bloody crackdown on Iraqi Shia and Kurds who rose up against Saddam Hussein’s regime; press reports cite MEK leader Maryam Rajavi encouraging MEK members to ‘take the Kurds under your tanks,’” according to the State Department. The group’s alliance with Saddam made it widely despised among the Iranian community at large, as it remains to this day ...
(Rajavi from Saddam to AIPAC)
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
Matt Duss, Think Progress, December 24, 2010
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/12/23/
did-giuliani-and-co-provide-material-support-to-terrorist-group/
The Washington Post reports that four prominent Republicans — former New York mayor Rudy Guiliani, former Bush administration homeland security adviser Fran Townsend, former homeland security secretary Tom Ridge, and former Attorney General Michael Mukasey — told “a forum of cheering Iranian exiles” in Paris “that President Obama’s policy toward Iran amounts to futile appeasement that will never persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear projects.”
The four “demanded that Obama instead take the controversial Mujaheddin-e Khalq (MEK) opposition group off the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations and incorporate it into efforts to overturn the mullah-led government in Tehran”:
“Appeasement of dictators leads to war, destruction and the loss of human lives,” Giuliani declared. “For your organization to be described as a terrorist organization is just really a disgrace.”
The four GOP figures appeared at a rally organized by the French Committee for a Democratic Iran, a pressure group formed to support MEK.
It should be obvious that describing Obama’s Iran policy — which includes a new set of both multilateral and unilateral sanctions — as “appeasement” indicates either a misunderstanding of the policy, or a misunderstanding of what constitutes “appeasement.” (Though, to be fair, conservatives tend to use “appeasement” loosely as a general term for “foreign policy I don’t like.”)
As for the MEK, after the GOP’s victory in November I predicted that we’d be seeing more efforts by pro-war conservatives to set the group up as an Iranian version of Ahmad Chalabi’s Iraqi National Congress. Very much like the INC, the MEK has no genuine base of support in their own country — its real base is found among American neoconservatives.
Daniel Luban profiled the MEK last November:
Founded as a militant group with an ideology combining aspects of Islam and Marxism, the group is frequently described today as “cult-like,” built around a personality cult centered on leader Maryam Rajavi. [...]
The group’s hatred of the Islamic Republic led it to ally with Saddam Hussein, and it fought on the Iraqi side of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Following the Gulf War, “the group reportedly assisted in the Iraqi Republican Guard’s bloody crackdown on Iraqi Shia and Kurds who rose up against Saddam Hussein’s regime; press reports cite MEK leader Maryam Rajavi encouraging MEK members to ‘take the Kurds under your tanks,’” according to the State Department. The group’s alliance with Saddam made it widely despised among the Iranian community at large, as it remains to this day
Luban notes that the MEK’s “militant anti-Iranian stance has made it a favorite of hawks in Washington”:
The MEK’s neoconservative supporters continue to push for it to be taken off the State Department terror list, which it has been on since 1997. One of the many ironies about the MEK is that, for all the groundless allegations that hawks made about Saddam Hussein’s connections to terrorist groups during the runup to the Iraq war, the terrorist group with perhaps the closest links to Saddam was one that the hawks themselves supported.
Human Rights Watch also released a report in 2005 detailing the group’s record of subjecting dissident members to torture and solitary confinement.
Leaving aside the spectacle of prominent conservatives going abroad to criticize the administration’s foreign policy on behalf of an Iranian exile group largely despised by Iranians, there’s actually a real question here of whether Giuliani, Townsend, Ridge, and Mukasey have violated U.S. law in regard to “material support” for terrorism.
In June, the Supreme Court ruled in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project that “the First Amendment does not protect humanitarian groups or others who advise foreign terrorist organizations, even if the support is aimed at legal activities or peaceful settlement of dispute”:
In a case that weighed free speech against national security, the court voted 6 to 3 to uphold a federal law banning “material support” to foreign terrorist organizations. That ban holds, the court said, even when the offerings are not money or weapons but things such as “expert advice or assistance” or “training” intended to instruct in international law or appeals to the United Nations.
Over to you, Attorney General Holder.
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Also
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=9160
Americans attending rallies in support of
Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, NCRI, Rajavi cult)
terrorists in Paris belong to the Grand Old Party
.
... So, why did a rally in support of a terrorist organization attract such attention from politicians who should know better? The only obvious reason is that the Americans attending the rally all belonged to the Grand Old Party, and therefore they took this opportunity to blame the present Obama Administration for its “soft” policy on Iran. The MEK group which originated as a militant leftist group dedicated to overthrowing the Shah’s regime by means of armed struggle in 1960s, later dedicated itself to overthrowing the present Islamic regime in Iran. Despite the common enemy embodied in the “regime of mullahs”, the US State Department designates it as a terrorist organization. At the same time, it does not prevent the US intelligence from ...
The Voice of Russia, December 23, 2010
http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/12/23/37579034.html
Is the U.S. Administration “too soft” on Iran?
On Wednesday, a rally took place in Paris in support of an Iranian exile organization Mujaheddin-e Khalq (People's Mojahedin of Iran, MEK). The rally itself would called hardly be worth mentioning – Europe with its principles of “freedom of speech” is famous for supporting all kinds of dissident and insurgent groups from all over the world. But two factors make the event rather significant.
One is the fact that the MEK group is listed by the US State Department as a foreign terrorist organization.
The other is that the rally in Paris was attended by several prominent American public figures belonging to the Republican Party, most of whom in the past, in this or that capacity were associated with homeland security. Among them, New York mayor at the time of 9/11 attack Rudolph Giuliani, former secretary of homeland security Tom Ridge, former White House homeland security adviser Frances Fragos Townsend and former attorney general Michael Mukasey.
So, why did a rally in support of a terrorist organization attract such attention from politicians who should know better? The only obvious reason is that the Americans attending the rally all belonged to the Grand Old Party, and therefore they took this opportunity to blame the present Obama Administration for its “soft” policy on Iran.
The MEK group which originated as a militant leftist group dedicated to overthrowing the Shah’s regime by means of armed struggle in 1960s, later dedicated itself to overthrowing the present Islamic regime in Iran. Despite the common enemy embodied in the “regime of mullahs”, the US State Department designates it as a terrorist organization. At the same time, it does not prevent the US intelligence from receiving classified information about the inside processes in Iran and the Iranian nuclear program in particular, supplied by members of MEK.
The European Union also had MEK on the terrorist list until January 2009, when it was removed from the list.
Addressing the rally in Paris, former New York mayor Giuliani said, “Appeasement of dictators leads to war, destruction and the loss of human lives. For your organization to be described as a terrorist organization is just really a disgrace.” Needless to say these words were greeted with cheers.
Anyway the main target of all American speeches at the rally was in fact not the Iranian regime, but the US Administration. “If the United States truly wants to put pressure on the Iranian regime, it takes more than talk and it takes more than sanctions,” said former White House homeland security adviser Frances Fragos Townsend, without specifying what should be done.
It hardly makes sense to blame Obama for “too soft” a policy on Iran. In fact, the present Administration tries hard (and, for the most part, unsuccessfully) to cope with the two wars started by the previous Republican Administration – one in Iraq, the other one in Afghanistan. Saying that dealing with the Iranian regime “takes more than sanctions” is a direct reference to a possible third war in the region which Obama is trying hard to avoid.
More so, it would be baseless to blame Obama for not using such internationally acknowledged means of dealing with regimes violating the rules of behavior like the Iranians do. Just a couple of days ago the US introduced new sanctions against two Iranian banks, two financial corporations and a shipping company supposed to provide illegal assistance to Hezbollah.
But what seems to be even more important, is the fact that the stricter are the measures taken by the West against Iran, the stronger is the resistance.
It is quite clear that a war against Iran (“more than sanctions” in the Republican terminology) would be suicidal for whoever starts it.
But even imposing more sanctions gives a result opposite from the desired one and can eventually lead to a situation when the peaceful Iranian nuclear program (at the moment there is no substantial evidence to prove it is not peaceful) will turn into a military one.
At present, Iran is already recruiting nuclear scientists from North Korea, Palestine, African countries and elsewhere, to work on its nuclear program.
A recent killing of a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist was blamed by Iranian officials and media on foreign intelligence. Now, a wave of indignation over the alleged role of the British intelligence service MI6 in supporting terrorism inside Iran is rising, with hardliners calling for a recall of British ambassador and threatening to overrun the British embassy in Tehran.
It is very much unlikely that public support for an organization regarded as terrorist not only in Iran but even in the US will serve the cause of appeasement in the region. Well, if the US hardliners would like to have a new phase of open confrontation, they should go on. But the outcome is really unpredictable.
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Also
* * *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj8AKgpFUZ8&feature=player_embedded
(massacre of Kurdish people)
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Also
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=9132
Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, NCRI) in France celebrates massacre in Iran
Terror act was carried out with the help from Paris based Rajavi cult
.
... A source close to the HQ of the National Council of Resistance (Mojahedin Khalq, MKO, MEK, Rajavi cult) in Paris told Iran-Interlink of the MKO’s ‘delight’ over the bombings in Chabahar, Iran last week.Accordingly, a close circle of MKO leaders in the HQ of terror group in Paris celebrated the massacre and praised Jondollah, which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist act. It is thought by the source, that not only was the group informed about the terrorist attack well in advance, but that this action was planned and carried out with the logistical help of the Mojahedin Khalq operatives based in Paris ...
(Mojahedin's Maryam Rajavi and Jondollah's Abdolmalek Rigi)
Iran-Interlink, December 19, 2010
http://iran-interlink.org
A source close to the HQ of the National Council of Resistance (Mojahedin Khalq, MKO, MEK, Rajavi cult) in Paris told Iran-Interlink of the MKO’s ‘delight’ over the bombings in Chabahar, Iran last week.
Accordingly, a close circle of MKO leaders in the HQ of terror group in Paris celebrated the massacre and praised Jondollah, which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist act. It is thought by the source, that not only was the group informed about the terrorist attack well in advance, but that this action was planned and carried out with the logistical help of the Mojahedin Khalq operatives based in Paris.
After his capture last year, Jondollah leader Abdulmalek Rigi admitted to links with the MKO.
Iran Interlink, ----------
Leeds, UK
December 19, 2010
(Rigi, hours after arrest)
(Rajavi from Saddam to AIPAC)
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
(Izzat Ebrahim and Massoud Rajavi still at large)
(Washington backed Maryam Rajavi in terrorist cult's HQ in Paris)
(British Lord!! Corbett promoting terrorism under the Logo of MKO for the past 25 years)
(In the streets of London with Lord Corbett!!)
(MKO members in European Countries 2003)
(massacre of Kurdish people) 
(Abdolmalek Rigi on Voice of America, presented as a democratic alternative)
(Mojahedin's Maryam Rajavi and Jondollah's Abdolmalek Rigi)
Jafarzadeh on Fox News 
Jafarzadeh representing terrorist organisation NCRI
(Picture form MKO/ NCRI clandestine television) 
(Daniel Zucker, Maryam Rajavi and ALi Safavi)
(Ali Safavi as the commander of Saddam's Private Army in Iraq)
Also
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=9105
38 martyred in terrorist blast in Chabahar
Iran Blaimes Amercian backed terrorist groups
.
... About 38 Iranian mourners were martyred Wednesday and 55 others wounded in a terrorist blast in Chabahar, southeast of Iran The mourners were commemorating the memory of Ashura ... "A number of women and children are seen among the martyrs," Ayati added. Ali Abdollahi said that the perpetrators were two men that both died. "According to evidences and the equipments used in the blast, the terrorists belong to an extremist Wahabi grouplet supported by America and some spying services of regional countries," he added ...
(Rajavi cult from Saddam to Israeli lobby)
IRIB, December 15, 2010
http://english.iribnews.ir/newsbody.aspx?ID=11664
About 38 Iranian mourners were martyred Wednesday and 55 others wounded in a terrorist blast in Chabahar, southeast of Iran
The mourners were commemorating the memory of Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam, Imam Hossein (PBUH).
Director General of provincial Forensic Medicine Office Fariborz Ayati said that thus far bodies of 38 martyrs of the terrorist blast have been delivered to his office.
"A number of women and children are seen among the martyrs," Ayati added.
Meanwhile, deputy Interior Minister for security affairs Ali Abdollahi said that the perpetrators were two men that both died.
"According to evidences and the equipments used in the blast, the terrorists belong to an extremist Wahabi grouplet supported by America and some spying services of regional countries," he added
(Abdolmalek Rigi on Voice of America, presented as a democratic alternative)
(Mojahedin's Maryam Rajavi and Jondollah's Abdolmalek Rigi)
Jafarzadeh on Fox News
Jafarzadeh representing terrorist organisation NCRI
(Picture form MKO/ NCRI clandestine television)
(Daniel Zucker, Maryam Rajavi and ALi Safavi)
(Ali Safavi as the commander of Saddam's Private Army in Iraq)
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Also
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=8615
Rajavi's bloody hands under democratic gesture
John Bolton and Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, NCRI, Rajavi cult) Terrorist cult
.
... The most recent news on MKO's servitude towards Israel and its interest for bloodshed was its fanfare on the opening of Bushehr Power Plant in Iran, citing from John Bolton, American controversial figure that it would be dangerous and military invasion to Iran would be necessary and hence the sanctions against Iran should be intensified. Following the news of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the positions taken by Israeli authorities and American John Bolton are very similar to that of MKO. Their interests are ...
(Mojahedin's Maryam Rajavi and Jondollah's Abdolmalek Rigi)
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
Nejat Bloggers, August 29 2010
http://www.nejatngo.org/en/post.aspx?id=3267
The more we get inside Rajavi's cult-like treasonous policies, the more we get to know about its alliance with Israel and American warmongers. ----------
Also: Voice of America (VOA) interviewing a terrorist (Mojahedin Khalq, MKO, MEK, Rajavi cult on Voice of America) . ... VOA in its programs,broadcasted in Persian, has always insisted that its doors are open to all organizations and legal entities as well as ... But the right is followed with a proviso that none of the terrorist groups and entities are permitted to avail themselves of such right as it might lead to an act of propaganda in their favor. Despite such a claim, so reasonable and sound decision as it seems, VOA is itself the first to violate the set standard and the rule, as an organization that presents the US government ... Omid Pouya, Mojahedin.ws, July 25, 2010 Voice of America TV held an interview (broadcasted in Persian) on July 17 with Mohammed Mohaddesin, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the French-based terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO, MEK, NCR, NLA, PMOI) to discuss the recent ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Also not an unprecedented action by the VOA, the interview with the member of a designated terrorist group is of such high seriousness, looking at it as a direct violation of law, to consider and talk about it. ---------- Also After 27 killed in mosque, CIA/MOSSAD backed terrorists’ spokesman in Washington promises Clinton full backing of US Congress if she corrects herself by openly backing the terrorist group . ... Political sources said that the Pakistan-based Jundollah terrorist group, directly sponsored and supported by Washington, has claimed responsibility for the attacks ... An arrest warrant has been issued against 39 leaders and members of the organisation including the PMOI's head Massoud Rajavi, due to evidence that confirms they committed crimes against humanity ... By Iran Interlink, July 19, 2010 .. . Today Fars News reported: Legislator: Foreign States' Involvement in Zahedan Blasts "Clear" Head of the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi made the remarks in a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Tehran Livia Leu Agosti, referring to the twin blasts in a mosque in Zahedan in Sistan and Balouchestan province in which 27 were killed and hundreds more were injured. Political sources said that the Pakistan-based Jundollah terrorist group, directly sponsored and supported by Washington, has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Boroujerdi further noted the confessions made by Jundollah ringleader Abdolmalek Rigi about the United States' support for Jundollah's terrorist attacks inside Iran, and reiterated that the involvement of foreign elements in the recent blasts in Zahedan is "fully obvious". (…) Abdolmalek Rigi confessed after his arrest in late February that his group was assisted and supported by the US and disclosed that he was on route to Bishkek to meet a high-ranking US official at a nearby military base when he was arrested by Iranian security forces. Rigi also said that he and the US official were going to discuss new terrorist attacks on Iranian territory … ---------- At the same time The Washington Post reported: Great opportunity for Clinton to have full backing of Congress … A federal appeals court Friday ordered the State Department to review its decision to label an Iranian opposition group as a foreign terrorist organization, strongly suggesting the designation should be revoked The court cast doubt on some of those assertions and said the group must be given the opportunity to rebut the allegations. "This is a great opportunity for [Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton] to correct a wrong. She would have the backing of Congress," said Alireza Jafarzadeh, a former spokesman for the group … ----------- This is while a few days before that Reuters reported from Baghdad: Iraqi court seeks arrest of Iranians (Massoud Rajavi, Maryam Rajavi, Mojahedin Khalq leaders wanted for crimes against humanity) ... "An arrest warrant has been issued against 39 leaders and members of the organisation including the PMOI's head Massoud Rajavi, due to evidence that confirms they committed crimes against humanity," said Judge Mohammed Abdul-Sahib, a spokesman of the Iraqi High Tribunal. Rajavi's wife Maryam, leader of the French-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the PMOI's political wing, was also included in the warrant, Abdul Sahib added ... ----------- And Who is Alireza Jafarzadeh? Employee's True Face Ali Reza Jafarzadeh, front man for the MKO and the NCRI in the United States, is still being introduced by the Fox News Network as their independent Iran analyst. Fox News' insistence on using this individual has prompted ridicule by many in the media and in political circles. Fox News has clearly decided that using this notorious man is more important for their pay masters than maintaining their reputation as a serious broadcaster. Or it could be that the Network has no other choice in its decision making except to consent to this scandal. Whatever the reason, Fox News has refused to answer any questions about it. Alireza Jafarzadeh was born in Mashad (Iran) and moved to the USA before the 1979 revolution in Iran. He began there as a student of Civil Engineering. But he soon became engaged with the Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) in the US. The MKO is designated by the US, UK, EU and many other countries as a terrorist entity in part because of the MKO's affiliation with the regime of Saddam Hussein. MKO activities include the massacre of Iraqi Kurds and Marsh Arabs in March 1991 after Gulf War I, and co-operation with Iraqi Intelligence in hiding WMDs from UN weapons inspectors. Jafarzadeh worked for the MKO in several countries including Iraq. He was promoted to the position of spokesman for the MKO in the US which then gave him a position as member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the MKO's political wing, which is also designated in the US as a terrorist entity. ------ Also: Western supporters of Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, NCRI, Rajavi cult) must be cautious! . ... “I wished Mr. Bolton could remember the advice of his Neo Cons friends to President Reagan in arming Taliban and Terrorists of Bin Laden against the Soviet Union, and could understand how unwise it is to use terrorists and cults against those who one might consider as enemies. Maryam Rajavi is the cult leader of MEK labeled as Terrorists in US and till recently in EU. Being cult means that they can say anything and pretend to be anybody in hope of reaching to power, and when they do so, they will show their real color. Unfortunately then it is too late for people like Mr. Bolton ... Sahar Family Foundation, Baghdad, July 14, 2010 It is now more than 5 months since some families of the members of Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO – Rajavi cult) based in Ashraf camp in Iraq are protesting in front of the camp and their only wish is to visit their loved ones whom they have not seen in some cases for more than two decades. The leaders of MKO cult have of course denied their plea and on the contrary have called their move a conspiracy plotted by the enemies. Massoud Rajavi the leader of MKO terrorist cult, who was allied with Saddam Hussein, and is on the run since the invasion of Iraq, has called the appeal a circus show and has compared the families to circus animals. These comments were broadcasted in the cult’s satellite television. During this time some mind manipulated elements of the cult residing inside Ashraf camp have tried to intimidate the families and insulted them in several occasions. These actions of course had no impact on the families and did not make them to pull back and on the contrary have made them more decisive to insist on their demands and carry on their picketing until they manage to see their relatives. The families of captive members inside cultic camp of Ashraf have every right to be concerned about their loved ones there. Circus show is exactly what Rajavi has set up in Iraq and innocent people have been moved away from their human nature and have become robots and machines who could be run in any way their desire, and of course the audience of this miserable and sad circus show are the supporters of MKO in the west who try to keep them alive against humanity for their short term benefits. Sahar Family Foundation in Iraq once again calls the world community, international organizations, human rights activists, public media, and all humanitarian individuals particularly supporters of MKO in the west, who have just seen its misleading appearance and do not know about its wicked nature, to do whatever in their capacity to satisfy the request of the suffering families. ---------- Also: Iraqi Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Massoud and Maryam Rajavi . ... The Supreme Iraqi Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Massoud Rajavi, head of the Mojahedin Khalq, an Iranian opposition, Arrest warrants Have also been issued against 37 others, including his wife, Maryam Rajavi, and his lieutenant Kazemi, according to (s /1/149) of 13/6/2010, Article (12) in place of Article (15) of the Code of Court No. 10 of 2005, which means that the Iraqi Interior Ministry and Interpol are notified to bring them to court ... The Supreme Iraqi Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Massoud Rajavi, head of the Mojahedin Khalq, an Iranian opposition, Arrest warrants Have also been issued against 37 others, including his wife, Maryam Rajavi, and his lieutenant Kazemi, according to (s /1/149) of 13/6/2010, Article (12) in place of Article (15) of the Code of Court No. 10 of 2005, which means that the Iraqi Interior Ministry and Interpol are notified to bring them to court. An official ceremony took place on Friday, the 2nd July which was attended by a number of security leaders and military personnel in the Iraqi army and the U.S. within Camp New Iraq (camp Ashraf earlier) according to the implementation of the security agreement signed between Iraq and the United States for the delivery of venues and sites by the U.S. military to the Iraqi government and Iraqi military in order to achieve Iraq's full sovereignty over its territory and be responsible for maintaining security and order throughout Iraq. The Iraqi army and the Iraqi security apparatus and the government will take responsibility as the Iraqi administration for the overall security of Camp Ashraf (Mojahedin-e Khalq). A ceremony took place at Camp New Iraq (Camp Ashraf) in the presence of Iranian families in front of the gate of Camp Ashraf who have been there for four months. The families looked forward to the receipt of responsibility for camp Ashraf by the Iraqi government and the Iraqi security from U.S. troops, stressing that U.S. military commanders have, over the past eight years, been supporting the policies and negative attitudes of the organization and leaders within the camp, as well as not sympathising with the families from Iran, nor responding to their demands to meet their children who are detainees inside the camp without the intervention and control officials in the organization, and their rejection of the responsibility over the past years to intervene to end the suffering of families and the pressure on the organization's leaders to allow the families of Iranian access to their children. The families hope to soon embrace their children and return them to their homes after the success of the Iraqi government and security services in regaining sovereignty and security of the Camp New Iraq (Camp Ashraf). المحكمة الجنائية تصدر مذكرة أعتقال ضد مسعود رجوي .. الحكومة العراقية تستلم ( معسكر اشرف) رسميا علمت (المؤتمر) ان المحكمة الجنائية العراقية العليا اصدرت مذكرة القاء القبض بحق مسعود رجوي رئيس منظمة مجاهدي خلق الايرانية المعارضة بالاضافة الى مذكرات اعتقال تشمل 37 شخصا اخرين من بينهم زوجته مريم رجوي وامير كاظمي ، حسب (ق / 1 / 149) الصادر في 13 / 6/ 2010 ، وفق المادة (12) بدل المادة (15) من قانون المحكمة رقم 10 لسنة 2005 ، مما يعني ان على وزارة الداخلية العراقية والانتربول الدولي ملاحظة هؤلاء وتقديمهم للمحكمة . ------------ Also read: Victims in Camp Ashraf continue to suffer as Washington backed Rajavi cult forces video performances . ... Mohammad Karimi has been made to sit before a camera without his military uniform, he is seated somewhere like a gymnasium inside the garrison. His speech is marked by MKO-speak and cult jargon as he swears at and insults his own sister and the Prime Minister of Iraq. Karimi claims that he is at war with Iran and that Iran’s leader (Ayatollah Khamenei) and the Prime Minister of Iraq (Nouri Al Maliki) have been defeated simply by him sitting inside the camp and refusing to see his sister ... Iran Interlink, June 10, 2010 For over four months the families of Rajavi’s hostages in Camp New Iraq (formerly Ashraf) have been picketing outside the gates of the camp demanding the right to meet with their relatives During these four months they have asked for help from all the major international agencies concerned with the camp; UNAMI, ICRC, UNHCR, etc, including the American Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Hill. So far, despite their clear humanitarian case, no help has been forthcoming. Now in a bid to force the families to give up and leave without meeting their loved ones, Massoud Rajavi has devised a plan to single out each of the hostages whose relatives have come to find them and one by one sit them in front of a camera to swear at and abuse their own families as well as the Iraqi government. Sadly, the hostages inside the camp have spent over two decades incommunicado and have had no contact with the outside world through media, telephone or the internet, and have certainly had no contact with their families in all that time. Following is one of the forced video sessions broadcast by the Washington-backed terrorist cult leaders in which Mohammad Karimi has been made to sit before a camera without his military uniform, he is seated somewhere like a gymnasium inside the garrison. His speech is marked by MKO-speak and cult jargon as he swears at and insults his own sister and the Prime Minister of Iraq. Karimi claims that he is at war with Iran and that Iran’s leader (Ayatollah Khamenei) and the Prime Minister of Iraq (Nouri Al Maliki) have been defeated simply by him sitting inside the camp and refusing to see his sister. We should not forget that these people have been used and exploited by Rajavi and Saddam for over two decades. When Rajavi and his wife (co-leader of the cult) ran away just before the arrest of Saddam, they abandoned these people to be used as hostages and bargaining chips. Now over seven years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, these people are still kept incommunicado and are imprisoned in the camp by the leaders of the cult with the backing of the USG and its agencies in Iraq. Any right minded person can clearly see in his eyes the pain of swearing at his own sister. Any right minded person can understand that if this was not a forced video confession, he could have been allowed to walk to the gates of the garrison without a prison guard and tell his sister to go home and that he is happy to stay there. Any right minded person can see that the problem for the camp and Rajavi as its leader is not whether they want to engage in political activities or not (in that case the first step would have been to escape self-imprisonment in the deserts of Iraq), but their fear of the families and human rights activist trying to make contact. Rajavi must answer to the outside world why no marriage is allowed among members, why no children have been born to any members for twenty years, why there are not even newspapers, or radio, no TV, no telephone or email to contact the outside world, etc. Why do those who have managed to escape the camp all report severe human rights violations against the people stuck inside without any recourse to help or contact? The backers of Rajavi and other remains of Saddam’s era (especially, the infamous Ros-Lehtinan in the US House of Congress, Struan Stevenson in the European Parliament and Robin Corbett in the British House of Lords) should hang their heads in shame for supporting and endorsing such severe abuse of human rights of hostages in front of the eyes of their families. Following is the broadcast forced video of one of the victim hostages, Mohammad Karimi tortured to sit in front of a camera and play as instructed, including swearing at his own sister whose only 'crime' is that she has been sitting outside the camp for the past four months hoping to see him. Link to the Video file (14 Mb, Real Player) ----------- ---------- Also Israel’s Iranian Opposition? (Representatives of Pro-Israili interests rully to promote Mojahedin Khalq terrorists) . ... Bolton and Aznar were there to represent a transatlantic coalition of neoconservative pro-Israeli interests who seem to wish to promote the PMOI as the legitimate opposition to Iran's clerical regime. Bolton’s credentials need no rehearsal here, but let’s not forget that Aznar has recently signed on as a founding member of a European Friends of Israel, in the face of the disastrous repercussions of the Gaza Freedom floatilla raid. The reason for this is fairly clear: on the issues of Israel and on Iran's nuclear program the Green Movement is dedicated to ... , Mondoweiss.net, June 28, 2010 Two days ago, I found it curious to learn of a large rally held in Paris by the People's Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI, also known as MEK or MKO) by reading the headlines on Ynet and on Ha’aretz. I usually follow Iranian opposition events via various other Iranian websites, where the rally was not mentioned. And while the Israeli press can be counted upon to have nearly daily entries in its hysterical campaign towards a military confrontation with Iran, it still seemed curious to find this rally by a relatively discredited Iranian opposition group featured so prominently on these Israeli websites. But then reading closely the matter was clarified somewhat (from Ha’aretz): The rally by the PMOI, which Washington considers to be a terrorist organisation, was attended by former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and Jose Maria Aznar, the former prime minister of Spain. Bolton and Aznar were there to represent a transatlantic coalition of neoconservative pro-Israeli interests who seem to wish to promote the PMOI as the legitimate opposition to Iran's clerical regime. Bolton’s credentials need no rehearsal here, but let’s not forget that Aznar has recently signed on as a founding member of a European Friends of Israel, in the face of the disastrous repercussions of the Gaza Freedom floatilla raid. The reason for this is fairly clear: on the issues of Israel and on Iran's nuclear program the Green Movement is dedicated to promoting an independent policy for the country. While it is likely they would take a very different tone and approach to both issues, the Green Movement will likely do little to satisfy the interests of the Israel Lobby and neoconservatives for a pro-Israeli and subservient Iran. With the PMOI as the only reasonably well-established alternative, these groups have thrown their lot in with them. If the confrontation with Iran becomes military in nature, it seems likely that the PMOI will be (again) touted by these interests as the “leadership in exile” for any regime-change scenario. This is not entirely new. During the Bush years, the PMOI sought alliances with the neoconservatives in the US, with a number of bipartisan congressmen acting as intermediaries to call for their removal from the terrorist list, and to advocate for their recognition as a legitimate Iranian opposition group. They are now at it again, with a new move to give legitimacy to the group launched just days ago, with a number of congressmen signed on. In the past, highly-placed neoconservatives such as Richard Perle have attended PMOI-related events and spoke positively of the group. And the group has done much to complement the interests of these allies: they were instrumental in building up the case for Iran's nuclear program, and have supplied intelligence they claim to have gathered from inside Iran to bolster the case for an arms program -- it's unclear how accurate or legitimate this intelligence may be, but there are certainly shades of the famous WMD intelligence relating to Iraq in all of this. Among most prominent activists in the Iranian opposition, the PMOI is rarely remembered kindly, when they are bothered to be remembered at all. Already discredited among most Iranians for their alliance with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war, and despised by Kurds everywhere for willfully participating in Hussein's genocidal campaigns against them, the Mojahedin have come to be seen by most Iranians as an embarrassing aberration in the political landscape. While the Islamic Republic has a virulent hostility towards the group, most secular left or reformist Iranians also will have nothing to do with the group and reject its inclusion in any coalitions to oppose the regime. In Europe and the US, during anti-regime demonstrations supporting the Green Movement, the appearance of PMOI flags or leaflets often led to standoffs and even fights among the demonstrators, with PMOI agents far outnumbered. They now stand all alone in the Iranian scene, with their only true supporters drawn from the Israel Lobby and the margins of US and European politics. What is so strange is that there they had once acted as the vanguard of revolutionary activity and as a synthesis of leftist and Islamist idealism in the first years of the post-revolutionary period. However, in exile they have been transformed into a political irrelevancy, made worse by their adoption of cult-like policies to maintain discipline in their ranks. The group demands of the rank-and-file a troubling adoration of the figure of Maryam Rajavi, the nominal leader of the group, relying on systems of regular debriefing and self-criticism which are mandatory for all members. Furthermore the group exerts control of many aspects of members' personal lives, including in matters of marriage, divorce and parenting. Given what they have become, any idea of their resurgence as a valid player in Iranian politics strikes me as one of the most terrifying possibilities for Iran's future. Their placement on the US terrorism list was clearly a political gesture during Clinton's administration, but many Iranians find them more troubling for reasons other than the terrorist acts they have carried out. Rather than hear me describe these, I think it's better to let the PMOI represent themselves -- in videos they have produced. Also, here, and here and here (and you can find many more just by clicking on the related videos or googling the group’s other videos). It baffles the mind that the PMOI are so blind as to how out-of-touch their fascistic aesthetics are with the ideals of Iran's democratic opposition and their supporters. Check out the videos linked above, produced by the PMOI to publicize "celebrations" and other group events held in their base in Iraq, and tell me if you don't find a chill creeping down your spine… Echoes of Triumph of the Will, or the Dear Leader… Bizarrely, the PMOI continues to enjoy support even among some on the US left. The Huffington Post, for example, offers a forum to two of the group’s more active US propagandists, Ali Safavi and Alireza Jafarzadeh. It seems likely that we’ll be hearing more about them once again as the talk of a military confrontation grows. It’s no surprise that the neocons and Israel’s most steadfast supporters are also now openly backing the PMOI. ------- Also read: Aznar and Bolton in Paris against Iran (Aznar and Bolton joined forced to found the Friends of Israel Initiative) . ... speeches by former Spanish Prime Minister José-Maria Aznar and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton - who recently joined forces to found the Friends of Israel Initiative- calling on the State Department to stop considering the People’s Mujahedin as a terrorist organisation and on the European Union to unilaterally reinforce the sanctions against Iran ...
Voltairenet, June 28, 2010 On 26 June 2010, the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (Mujahideen-e-Khalq) convened a gathering of their members at Taverney, near Paris. --------- Also: Struan Stevenson support for Zionist backed Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, Rajavi cult) terrorists . ... Struan Stevenson is a strong advocate of the Washington/Zionist backed foreign terrorist group, Mojahedin-e Khalq(MKO) which continues with its illegal presence in Iraq. The Government of Iraq had charged that the MKO have been actively interfering in Iraqi affairs over the past six years. The MKO base Camp Ashraf (now Camp New Iraq) was used as a covert meeting place for Saddamists ... Press TV, June 23, 2010 ------------- -------- Also: Allawi tarred with the MKO’s Saddamist brush (who is Struan Stevenson?) . ... Struan Stevenson is a strong advocate of the Washington/Zionist backed foreign terrorist group, Mojahedin-e Khalq(MKO) which continues with its illegal presence in Iraq. The Government of Iraq had charged that the MKO have been actively interfering in Iraqi affairs over the past six years. The MKO base Camp Ashraf (now Camp New Iraq) was used as a covert meeting place for Saddamists ... Iran-Interlink, March12, 2010 Ayad Allawi is being dragged into a controversy created by Western Baathist supporters. Struan Stevenson MEP, Chair of the European Parliament’s Iraq Delegation has said he has received many letters claiming that widespread fraud had taken place in the Iraqi election on March 7. Struan Stevenson is a strong advocate of the Washington/Zionist backed foreign terrorist group, Mojahedin-e Khalq(MKO) which continues with its illegal presence in Iraq. The Government of Iraq had charged that the MKO have been actively interfering in Iraqi affairs over the past six years. The MKO base Camp Ashraf (now Camp New Iraq) was used as a covert meeting place for Saddamists. The MKO also has some of its members working in the European Parliament. Mass letter writing and scaremongering accusations without evidence are typical MKO tactics. Before the election, former Iraqi MP Saleh al-Mutlaq was barred from standing for election because of his association with the MKO – he channelled funds for the terrorist organisation. Now, after the election, Struan Stevenson has claimed “Major efforts are exercised to deny the win of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi”. It looks as though Mr Allawi is also being tarnished by association with supporters of the former Saddam regime. ------------ Also: UK government denies any contact with Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, Rajavi cult) terrorists . ... “The British Government has no form of contact with this organization, as a point of principle,” Foreign Office spokesman Barry Marston said. “The MKO was responsible for a number of horrible acts of terrorism against ordinary Iranians and have never unambiguously renounced violence,” Marston told IRNA. Marston said Britain “condemned acts of terrorism in Iran by criminal groups like Jondallah & the MKO, particularly horrific attacks against Mosques, security forces & innocent people.” ... IRNA, London, June 17, 2010 ----------- Also: Official American version of events at Camp Ashraf
... There were allegations during the year that some of the 3,400 members of the MEK terrorist organization located at Ashraf were denied the right to leave under threat of reprisal from MEK leaders. These allegations were corroborated by several former Ashraf residents who had fled the camp. Individuals claimed to have been subjected to psychological and physical abuse ... State Department, USA, March 2010 2009 Human Rights Report: Iraq Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices March 11, 2010 Link to the full report (...) a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life ... On July 28, clashes erupted at Ashraf in Diyala Province when the ISF attempted to establish a police presence inside the more than 3,400-person compound of the terrorist Iranian dissident group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). The clashes resulted in the deaths of 11 MEK members and injuries to 30 ISF officers. The government credibly claimed the MEK provoked the clashes by staging a violent demonstration to block the ISF from entering the compound. (...) d. Freedom of Movement, Internally Displaced Persons, Protection of Refugees, and Stateless Persons ... There were allegations during the year that some of the 3,400 members of the MEK terrorist organization located at Ashraf were denied the right to leave under threat of reprisal from MEK leaders. These allegations were corroborated by several former Ashraf residents who had fled the camp. Individuals claimed to have been subjected to psychological and physical abuse, including threats of reprisal against family members and solitary confinement in Ashraf to discourage defections. ----------- Also: The secretary of US embassy exposed Mojahedin Khalq(MKO, MEK,PMOI, Rajavi cult) leadership . ... The second secretary of the American embassy in Baghdad, published a documented report on the crimes committed by the MEK’s leaders who bloodshed their own colleagues, raped the women of Ashraf, poisoned and executed dozens of the defectors ... Fars News Agency,Translated by Nejat NGO, October 22, 2008 Link to the orginal reprot (Persian) The Second secretary of US embassy report on the horrible crimes of MKO leader ----- Also: British Minister of State: We believe it is in the interest of residents to cooperate peacefully with Iraqi authorities . ... Government of Iraq would deal with the residents of the camp with respect for their human rights in co-operation with the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We believe it is in the interests of the residents to respect and accept the decision made by the Government of Iraq, and to cooperate peacefully with the Iraqi authorities ... House of Commons, British Parliament, March 16, 2010 David Drew (Stroud, Labour) To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the government of Iraq on the situation in Camp Ashraf; and if he will take steps to ensure that residents of Camp Ashraf are not driven from Iraq. Ivan Lewis (Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Bury South, Labour) We have discussed the situation at Camp Ashraf with the Iraqi Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Human Rights Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Iraqi Government's Ashraf Committee. I met the Iraqi Foreign Minister in Baghdad in December 2009 and underlined the need for the Iraqi authorities to deal with the residents of Camp Ashraf in a way that meets international humanitarian standards. In addition we discuss the issue with the UN, US, and the EU. The Iraqi authorities have told the residents that they can no longer stay at Camp Ashraf but has given assurances that no residents will be forcibly transferred to a country where they have reason to fear persecution, or where substantial grounds exist to believe they would be tortured. The Iraqi Human Rights Minister confirmed to our ambassador on 27 January 2010 that the Government of Iraq would deal with the residents of the camp with respect for their human rights in co-operation with the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We believe it is in the interests of the residents to respect and accept the decision made by the Government of Iraq, and to cooperate peacefully with the Iraqi authorities. ---------- Also UK Parliament - some sensible answers to Mojahedin (Rajavi cult) claims . ... In the case of occupied territory, the Convention continues to apply for a year after the general close of military operations, and partially thereafter if the occupying power continues to exercise the functions of government. The occupation of Iraq formally ended on 30 June 2004... UK Parliament, April 20-21 2009 Written answers ----------- Also read: I. Summary II. Background III. Rise of Dissent inside the MKO IV. Human Rights Abuses in the MKO Camps V. Testimonies May 2005 --------- Also read: New document on Mojahedin Khalq released by RAND (The Mujahedin-e Khalq in Iraq, A Policy Conundrum) RAND, August 05, 2009 A new document (133pages) was released today by RAND * * * Link to the document (pdf file) ... A RAND study examined the evolution of this controversial decision, which has left the United States open to charges of hypocrisy in the war on terrorism. An examination of MeK activities establishes its cultic practices and its deceptive recruitment and public relations strategies. A series of coalition decisions served to facilitate the MeK leadership's control over its members. The government of Iraq wants to expel the group, but no country other than Iran will accept it. Thus, the RAND study concludes that the best course of action would be ... ------- Also read: U.S. Handling of Mujahedin-E-Khalq Since U.S. Invasion of Iraq Is Examined (The Mujahedin-e Khalq in Iraq , A Policy Conundrum) . . Jeremiah Goulka, Lydia Hansell, Elizabeth Wilke, Judith Larson, RAND, August 04, 2009 At the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Coalition forces classified the Mujahedin-e Khalq, a militant organization from Iran with cult-like elements that advocates the overthrow of Iran's current government, as an enemy force. The MeK had provided security services to Saddam Hussein from camps established in Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War to fight Iran in collaboration with Saddam's forces and resources. A new study from the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, looks at how coalition forces handled this group following the invasion. Although the MeK is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States, coalition forces never had a clear mission on how to deal with it. After a ceasefire was signed between Coalition forces and the MeK, the U.S. Secretary of Defense designated this group's members as civilian "protected persons" rather than combatant prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. The coalition's treatment of the MeK leaves it – and the United States in particular – open to charges of hypocrisy, offering security to a terrorist group rather than breaking it up. Research suggests that most of the MeK rank-and-file are neither terrorists nor freedom fighters, but trapped and brainwashed people who would be willing to return to Iran if they were separated from the MeK leadership. Many members were lured to Iraq from other countries with false promises, only to have their passports confiscated by the MeK leadership, which uses physical abuse, imprisonment, and other methods to keep them from leaving. Iraq wants to expel the group, but no country other than Iran will accept it. The RAND study suggests the best course of action would have been to repatriate MeK rank-and-file members back to Iran, where they have been granted amnesty since 2003. To date, Iran appears to have upheld its commitment to MeK members in Iran. The study also concludes better guidelines be established for the possible detention of members of designated terrorist organizations. The study, "The Mujahedin-e Khalq in Iraq: A Policy Conundrum," can be found here. For more information, or to arrange an interview with the authors, contact Lisa Sodders in the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 393-0411, ext. 7139, or lsodders@rand.org. Learn More iconFull Document (http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG871/) iconNational Security Research Area (http://www.rand.org/research_areas/national_security/) iconE-mail sign up (http://www.rand.org/publications/email.html)
The most recent news on MKO's servitude towards Israel and its interest for bloodshed was its fanfare on the opening of Bushehr Power Plant in Iran, citing from John Bolton, American controversial figure that it would be dangerous and military invasion to Iran would be necessary and hence the sanctions against Iran should be intensified.
Following the news of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the positions taken by Israeli authorities and American John Bolton are very similar to that of MKO. Their interests are all against what Iranian nation believe.
Israelis' reaction to the news was published by Reuters:
"Israel says Iranian reactor use 'totally acceptable' "[1]
Publishing a statement, Israel foreign ministry's spokesman said:
"It is totally unacceptable that a country that so blatantly violates resolutions of the (United Nations) Security Council […] should enjoy the limits of using nuclear energy."[2]
John Bolton who was Maryam Rajavi's special guest at MKO meeting in Taverny went further and asked his Israelis friends to attack Iran.
According to Agence France Press, John Bolton said:
"it will be too late for Israel to launch military strike against the facility."[3]
"If Israel is going to do anything against Bushehr it has to move in the next eight days." He added.
Former ambassador of US in United Nations emphasized that in the absence of an Israeli attack, "Iran will achieve something that no other opponent of Israel, no other enemy of the United States in the Middle East really has and that is a functioning nuclear reactor."[4]
The traitor Massoud Rajavi who had to find a new master after the fall of his ex-one Saddam Hussein, in order to gain some trivial scores among his new Western masters, launched a large propaganda campaign on fueling Iran's nuclear power plant. MKO's website claims "International supervisors say that the regime's objective to invest on this power plant is to create a cover to lead its plans to achieve nuclear weapon."
But, as usual, the group didn’t name any international supervisor for such a comment. And the fact is that even Western governments including US and Britain confessed that Bushehr reactor was designed for peaceful civilian nuclear power.
"The United States does not see the fueling of Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr as a "proliferation risk" ,State Department spokesman Parby holladay said .[5]
But Rajavi's warmongers didn’t hesitate to write on their so-called NCRI's website that "while international sanctions intensify pressures on Iran,[…] the director of the regime's Atomic Energy Agency Organization declared that the locations for 10 centers of uranium enrichment centers were found."
But MKO's website failed to recall that IRI regime is going to fall – as what they always claim – and wrote:" Iranian Resistance calls for complete sanctions including oil industry, trade, technology and diplomacy against Iran as a necessary approach to prevent Iranian terrorist from reacting atomic Bomb, and warns on any dangerous consequences of delay on this case under any pretext.
I think that the above – mentioned instances of Rajavi's commitment to Israel and warmongers' policies, clarify despicable substance of his cult.
Rajavi and his group, under any form, any cover and any slogan, have an only desire: War, Bloodshed against Iranian people , treason and spying for their financial sponsors.
References:
[1]Reuters, August 21,2010, Israel says Iranian reactor use totally unacceptable.
[2] ibid
[3] AFP,Israel has '8 days' to hit Iran nuclear site:Bolton
[4] August 17,2010,ibid
[5] Haaretz ,US: Iran's nuclear power plant bears no proliferation risk,August 28,2010.
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=8493
(Mohaddesin from Saddam's Private army to Voice of America)
http://www.mojahedin.ws/article/show_en.php?id=3565
VOA in its programs, especially broadcasted in Persian, has always insisted that its doors are open to all organizations and legal entities as well as individuals and personalities and welcomes them to defend themselves for whatever has been said against or in their favors in broadcasted programs. But the right is followed with a proviso that none of the terrorist groups and entities are permitted to avail themselves of such right as it might lead to an act of propaganda in their favor. Despite such a claim, so reasonable and sound decision as it seems, VOA is itself the first to violate the set standard and the rule, as an organization that presents the US government, when it conducts an interview with a ranking member of a terrorist group. No need to say that VOA is well aware that to what extent has acted in opposition to violation of its claims or in accordance to the principles of the freedom of speech. However, in this respect, Jamshid Chalangi's Program hosting a ranking terrorist raises some questions for which Mr. Chalangi must provide convincing explanations.
First, as Mr. Chalangi asserts in his program, when holding the interview with Mohammed Mohaddesin, MKO is referred to as a designated terrorist group on the State Department’s list. Even if in future the group should be removed from the list, VOA has now acted against its adopted media principles and claims. Of course, it is not unprecedented as mentioned before and VOA has acted as an easy platform for the presence and voice of this terrorist organization to reflect itself under a variety of aliases.
Second, as reiterated and emphasized by the program’s host, the name of MKO remains on the State Department’s list despite remarkable shift in the attitude of some regional governments, institutions and a large number of European states. Mr. Chalangi avowed that “well, it was not only the US state Department […] Ther were also European governments and states. There are some countries in the region, some among the present Iraqi Government, that still consider MKO a terrorist organization”. Thus, is not VOA flagrantly mocking the international community and the intended countries by acting outside of the rule and openly holding the interview with the ranking terrorist?
Third, the host in reaction to the comments of Mohadesin states that “The U.S. President has simultaneously recognized, and does, the Islamic Republic of Iran as a state sponsor of the international terrorism. Then, how is it possible that it has placed MKO on the list as a shift towards the policy of appeasement while it considers the Islamic Republic a sponsor of terrorism?”. On the one hand, he tries to acquit America of currying favors with the Islamic Republic, and on the other hand he means to stress that America's position against MKO is for other reasons. As a result, for the very same reasons that America enumerates the Islamic Republic a terrorist sponsor, the designation of MKO cannot be purely used as a tool for political causes and for sure relies on other mechanisms. Therefore, what gives Mr. Chalangi the right to make VOA a mouthpiece of MKO?
And finally, Mr. Chalangi should make it clear that if he recognizes MKO a terrorist organization or thinks differently. If he thinks it is not a terrorist group, then, why does he insist to prove America has been on an unprejudiced ground to put MKO on the list? Apart from this, if he does believe MKO is a terrorist organization, then, why does he insist to publicize the views of a terrorist organization from VOA that presents the views of the US Government? For that reason, as Mr. Chalangi draws VOA’s red-line only with the terrorists, his interview with a terrorist means that he does not consider MKO a terrorist organization. As a man whose action is best defined by an Iranian proverb, he is standing on a roof with two skies.
To define its mission, the VOA charter reads that “The long-range interests of the United States are served by communicating directly with the peoples of the world by radio”. And to be effective, “VOA will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive”. Unlike the made claims, VOA acts in absolute contradiction and its paradoxical attitudes tell something different. How can it be reliable when it hardly shows any respect for its audiences’ common sense? It will be good for Mr. Chalangi if he could explain the paradoxical behavior even in brief. Still, the silence of VOA makes it an undeniable fact that it is a media mainly following a policy of quantity rather than rule-based principles.
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=8450
(Rajavi from Saddam to Israel)
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
http://iran-interlink.org
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8904271653
http://www.washingtonpost.com
(massacre of Kurdish people)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE66A0A0 .jpg)
(Massoud and Maryam Rajavi, cult leaders)
http://www.iran-interlink.org/files/info/Jafarzadeh%20bio.htm
Background of a Fox News Analyst
Iran Interlink, February 2004
Jafarzadeh on Fox News
Jafarzadeh representing terrorist organisation NCRI
(Picture form MKO/ NCRI clandestine television)
For those who have still any doubts about the issue, below is a brief biography of the notorious terrorist whom Fox News introduces as its analyst. 
Jafarzadeh and Mohaddessin representing MKO
(picture from Mojahedin/NCRI clandestine newspaper) Jafarzadeh quickly became a devoted member of the MKO and on the order of the organization's Ideological (or cult) Leader, Massoud Rajavi, married Robabeh Sadeghi of Babol, Iran, after she fled her country in 1986. In 1990, Massoud Rajavi ordered all MKO members to divorce for ideological reasons. Jafarzadeh and Sadeghi, were divorced on his command.
Jafarzadeh was such a committed member that he repeatedly volunteered for suicide operations. In the MKO publication No. 127, he is quoted as saying that he is ready to burn himself in front of the UN's New York office whenever it is needed for the MKO's cause.
In 1988, together with 15 other MKO members in the US, Jafarzadeh left for Iraq to participate in the Eternal Light military operation. He served in Hossein Abrishamchi's military unit in Iraq and undertook terrorist training in an Iraqi camp called Zaboli Camp. After the MKO's disastrous defeat in this operation, he was sent back to the US.
In a press conference on 24 March 1991, Jafarzadeh explained the details of one particular MKO operation in Iraqi Kurdistan (Operation Morvarid). This was soon exposed, by Human Rights Watch among others, as the deliberate massacre of Kurdish civilians by the MKO on the direct orders of Saddam Hussein.
Some months later, MKO radio announced Jafarzadeh had been made a Deputy Executive member of the MKO. His name along with his paramilitary rank was also published in MKO newspapers. 
In 1992, with the help of Saddam Hussein's Intelligence Service, Jafarzadeh traveled to Pakistan to negotiate and establish new relations between the MKO and one of the war lords of Baluchestan (on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border). The relation was established in order to facilitate sending terrorist teams into Iran for paramilitary terrorist operations. Jafarzadeh was the broker for this deal and in person paid some of the tribal chiefs on behalf of Iraqi Intelligence.
From 1998 Jafarzadeh has been introduced as a member of the NCRI (MKO) Foreign Affairs Committee. In 1992 he took part in interviews (including an interview with Voice of America Radio) as the NCRI representative.
Jafarzadeh also attended a meeting in Washington in 2001. The meeting was organized by the MKO to protest inclusion of their name in the US administration's list of terrorist organizations. Jafarzadeh was the MKO's speaker at this meeting to explain their position.
Fox News now introduces Jafarzadeh as either their employee or as the head of a consultancy company. But as recently as 2002 the same man was interviewed by Fox News as the MKO's representative in the US Congress.
There are serious allegations that Jafarzadeh has been involved in illegal deals in the USA, including deals involving chemicals which can be used to produce WMDs. There are also allegations that the MKO, with him as its representative, have been involved in serious money laundering and drug trafficking in the USA. These allegations, as well as his and Fox News' dodgy connections in Washington, are currently under investigation.
* * *
Liberals Against Terrorism exposes Aliraza Jafarzadeh:
http://www.iran-interlink.org/files/News3/Mar05/liberalsagainstterrorism180305.htm
In August 2002, an exile group known as the National Council of Resistance of Iran summoned reporters to Washington's Willard Hotel for a morning briefing. The group's spokesman, Alireza Jafarzadeh, charged that Iran was building two new secret nuclear facilities: a heavy-water plant near the town of Arak and a large plant to fabricate uranium fuel in the desert near the town of Natanz.
Mr. Jafarzadeh was comfortable in Washington's power corridors, much like Ahmed Chalabi, the exiled Iraqi who provided much of the now-discredited information on Iraq's weapons program. He was educated at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas and for years he kept a small office at the National Press Club. He has since parlayed his expertise into a slot as a paid analyst for Fox News. But the council's military wing was on the State Department's terrorism list for a history of political killings and ties to Saddam Hussein.
Mr. Jafarzadeh's information tracked closely with what U.S. officials already knew. But in the summer of 2002 they had their hands full with Iraq and North Korea. When asked about the information that afternoon, a State Department spokesman offered generic criticism of Tehran's activities, noted the council's ties to a terrorist organization and brushed off suggestions that the dangers were comparable to those posed by Iraq.
(the rest of the article, which you should read if you subsribe to the WSJ, is a great overview of the state of play regarding Iran's nuclear program)
... btw, it's really hard to take Ileana Ros-Lehtinen seriously:
“This group loves the United States. They’re assisting us in the war on terrorism; they’re pro-U.S.,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) in an interview with The Hill.
Or Jafarzadeh himself:
Middle East scholars widely dispute the assessment that the MEK is a legitimate democratic alternative to the Iranian regime. “That’s patently nonsense,” said Michael Ledeen of the American Enterprise Institute.
“I know about support on Capitol Hill for this group, and I think it’s atrocious,” said Dan Brumberg of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “I think it’s due to total ignorance and political manipulation.”
He added: “There’s not much debate [about the MEK] in the academic circles of those who know Iran and Iraq.”
Elahe Hicks of Human Rights Watch said that “many, many Iranians resent” the MEK. “ Because this group is so extremely resented inside Iran, the Iranian government actually benefits from having an opposition group like this,” she said. James Phillips of the Heritage Foundation agreed. “When they sided with Iraq against Iran in the [1980-88] war, that was the kiss of death for their political future. Even Iranians who might have sympathized with them were enraged that they became the junior partner of their longstanding rival,” he said.
“Some of their representatives are very articulate,” Phillips continued, “but they are a terrorist group. They have a longstanding alliance with Saddam Hussein, and they have gone after some of the Kurds at the behest of Saddam Hussein.”
Ros-Lehtinen dismissed U.S. intelligence reports of the group’s involvement in Hussein campaigns against Kurds and Shiites as “hogwash” and “part of the Khatami propaganda machine.”
Washington representatives for the MEK’s political arm, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, disputed news reports that the MEK is aligned with Saddam Hussein. “The relationship has been independent, whether politically, militarily, financially or ideologically,” said Alireza Jafarzadeh. “We have never interfered in the internal affairs of Iraq.”
Emphasis mine. Note Michael Ledeen being on the record against these folks.
http://www.liberalsagainstterrorism.com/drupal/?q=node/626
* * *
And Alireza Jafarzadeh asks permission from the head of the cult (Rajavi) to carry out self immolation and suicide operations anywhere in the world. His letter has been published proudly by the Mojahedin official newspaper.
Mojahedin Khalq Organisation is currently on the list of terrorist organizations in US, UK, European union, Canada and many other countries. The head of the cult has been on the run after the fall of his benefactor Saddam Hussein and his wife Maryam Rajavi is currently under investigation (house arrest) on terrorism related charges in France.
see Mojahedin paper number 127 page 11!! 
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8424
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
http://www.saharngo.com/en/story/1348
Families picketing in front of Ashraf camp for more than 5 months
The cultic behaviors of MKO and its leaders are quite exposed to those who have even little knowledge about the deeds of this terrorist destructive cult. Several researchers, experts and international bodies do recognize MKO as a cult of personality. MKO is a destructive cult which is threatening its own confined members more than anyone else and has the capacity of creating a human tragedy.
Manipulated elements of MKO cult threatening the families
Rajavi and its associates are undoubtedly the enemies of Iranian people and their positions are clear. But to respond to those who try to keep MKO active and add to the misery and pains of the families and the members in Iraq we just quote Dr. Massoud Banisadr from a website in Britain which has recently been published and we hope it finds its wise addressees:
“I wished Mr. Bolton could remember the advice of his Neo Cons friends to President Reagan in arming Taliban and Terrorists of Bin Laden against the Soviet Union, and could understand how unwise it is to use terrorists and cults against those who one might consider as enemies. Maryam Rajavi is the cult leader of MEK labeled as Terrorists in US and till recently in EU. Being cult means that they can say anything and pretend to be anybody in hope of reaching to power, and when they do so, they will show their real color. Unfortunately then it is too late for people like Mr. Bolton to compensate for their mistakes as catastrophe of cult leaders in power cannot be erased without loss of lives of millions of innocent people. Don’t’ forget that even Hitler came to power using the same democracy that it seems nowadays to be the slogan of Rajavis. Then, there were some Americans and British who were thinking that they can use Hitler against communists and the Soviet Union, but in power Hitler and his cult of personality did what they did. Then it was too late for free world to realize that they cannot trust cult leaders. To reverse their mistakes millions of lives had to be sacrificed. Recent report of American Think Thank RAND for US defense department pointed out very clearly that NCR or MEK under Rajavi is a destructive cult that can change color at any minute to advance its goals. Not long ago their main slogan was death to the US and calling ‘Human Rights’ and ‘liberal democracy’ as ploy of Imperialism against oppressed people, and now they are using the same slogans to gain support of western politicians against Iranian regime. Do we really want friends like this and support cult leaders that soon can change into new enemies like Bin Laden?”
Families of MKO cult members call for help
Sahar Family Foundation
Baghdad, 13 July 2010
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8374
(Massoud and Maryam Rajavi the cult leaders)
(Izzat Ebrahim and Massoud Rajavi still at large)
(Maryam Rajavi in terrorist cult's HQ in Paris)
Al Mutamar, Baghdad, July 04, 2010
Translated by Iran Interlink
Link to the original (Arabic)
http://www.inciraq.com/pages/view_paper.php?id=201031009 
On the other hand Diyala recognizes the sovereign responsibility of the Iraqi government and security forces and the dispensing of full security to the camp in the new Iraq Khalis district, (formerly Camp Ashraf) in place of the U.S. troops who were responsible for the inside of Camp New Iraq since the fall of the former regime in 2003.
من جهة اخرى شهدت محافظة ديالى تسلم الحكومة العراقية والقوات الامنية التابعة لها المسؤولية السيادية والامنية الكاملة لمعسكر العراق الجديد في قضاء الخالص ( معسكر اشرف سابقا ً) من القوات الامريكية التي كانت مستقرة داخل المعسكرمنذ سقوط النظام السابق في عام 2003 .
جاء ذلك خلال حفل رسمي جرى يوم الجمعة المصادف الثاني من شهر تموز / يوليو الجاري حضره عدد من القادة الامنيين والعسكريين في الجيش العراقي والاميركي داخل مقرمعسكر العراق الجديد ( معسكر اشرف سابقا ً ) تنفيذا ً لبنود الاتفاقية الامنية الموقعة بين العراق والولايات المتحدة وذلك بتسليم المقرات والمواقع العسكرية الشاغلة من قبل الجيش الامريكي الى الحكومة العراقية لتحقيق سيادة العراق الكاملة على اراضيه وتكون مسؤولية حفظ الامن والنظام في كافة ارجاء العراق بعهدة قوات الجيش والاجهزة الامنية العراقية ، حيث ستتولى الحكومة العراقية المسؤولية الادارية والامنية الكاملة لمعسكر اشرف (مقرمنظمة خلق) .
وشهد حفل تسليم معسكر العراق الجديد (معسكر اشرف) حضور العوائل الايرانية المعتصمة امام بوابة المعسكرمنذ اربعة اشهر والتي بدورها فرحت كثيرا لاستلام الحكومة والاجهزة الامنية العراقية مسؤولية معسكراشرف من القوات الاميركية ، مؤكدين ان القادة العسكريين الاميركيين وخلال السنوات الثمانية الماضية كانوا من المؤيدين للسياسات والمواقف السلبية للمنظمة وقادتها داخل المعسكر ، فضلا عن عدم الوقوف مع العوائل الايرانية والاستجابة لمطاليبهم للقاء بأبنائهم المحتجزين داخل المعسكر بدون تدخل ومراقبة المسؤولين في المنظمة ، ورفضهم الدائم طيلة السنوات الماضية التدخل لانهاء معاناة العوائل والضغط على قادة المنظمة للسماح للعوائل الايرانية بمقابلة ابنائهم ، معربين عن املهم الكبير في رؤية واحتضان ابنائهم والعودة بهم الى ديارهم بعد استلام الحكومة العراقية والاجهزة الامنية الساندة لها سيادة وامن معسكرالعراق الجديد ( معسكر اشرف).
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8203
(Families have been picketting for the past 4 months)
http://www.iran-interlink.org
Link to the Video file (14 Mb, Real Player)
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8339
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/06/israel%E2%80%99s-iranian-opposition.html
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8321
(Maryam Rajavi in terrorist cult's HQ in Paris)
http://www.voltairenet.org/article166102.html
This military sect is commanded by Massoud and Myriam Rajavi, although it is not known whether Massoud is still alive since he hasn’t been seen in public since 2003.
While the Pentagon and the Obama Administration have detached themselves from this organisation, the Mujahedin continue to enjoy the support of the neo-conservatives, Israel and France, which hosts its headquarters.
Approximately 30 000 people from all over Europe listened to speeches by former Spanish Prime Minister José-Maria Aznar and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton - who recently joined forces to found the Friends of Israel Initiative- calling on the State Department to stop considering the People’s Mujahedin as a terrorist organisation and on the European Union to unilaterally reinforce the sanctions against Iran.
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8276
http://www.negaheno.net/1389/04/01/6407/
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7885
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
http://iran-interlink.org
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8265 
http://www.irna.ir/En/View/FullStory/?NewsId=1183391&idLanguage=3London June 17, IRNA -- The British Foreign Office Thursday denied any links with the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO) terrorist organisation despite removing the anti-Iran group from its proscribed list two years ago.
“The British Government has no form of contact with this organization, as a point of principle,” Foreign Office spokesman Barry Marston said.
“The MKO was responsible for a number of horrible acts of terrorism against ordinary Iranians and have never unambiguously renounced violence,” Marston told IRNA.
“Neither do we believe this group enjoys any kind of popular support inside Iran,” he said after British Ambassador Simon Gass was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Tehran following accusations of UK involvement in terrorist plots.
The MKO were among the first terrorist groups to be outlawed in the UK in 2001, but also became the first to be deproscribed two years ago, leading to suggestions that the move was politically motivated coming at a time of deterioration in relations.
The UK government has always accepted that the anti-Iran group have never categorically given up terrorism but insisted that it was forced to remove it from their banned list after losing a court ruling that was supported by many MPs in 2008.
Marston said Britain “condemned acts of terrorism in Iran by criminal groups like Jondallah & the MKO, particularly horrific attacks against Mosques, security forces & innocent people.”
“Accusations that Britain has had any involvement in supporting such groups is ridiculous and untrue,” he said, adding that the UK government takes “terrorism extremely seriously, so in principle we'd be ready to cooperate with the Iranian authorities relating to credible evidence of genuine acts of terrorism."
(Alejo Vidal-Quadras , Mojahedin Khalq logo, Struan stevenson )
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=7991
(Massoud and Maryam Rajavi, cult leaders)
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/nea/136069.htm
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/nea/136069.htm
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=5290
http://www.nejatngo.org/en/post.aspx?id=2062
http://iran-interlink.org/fa/?mod=view&id=5281
The second secretary of the American embassy in Baghdad, published a documented report on the crimes committed by the MEK’s leaders who bloodshed their own colleagues, raped the women of Ashraf, poisoned and executed dozens of the defectors.
According to FNA reporter in Baghdad, the second secretary of American embassy in Baghdad, William, revealed the bloody violence of Masud Rajavi, MKO leader, against the dissident members, in the third and forth chapter of the report on the actual situation of Mujahedin.
The American official, who investigated the documents and files on Mujahedin, has been one of the authorities who control Camp Ashraf. The report reads:
Like Malik Farough, the former king of Jordan, Masud Rajavi abuses even his female colleagues.”
In another part of the report you can read:
” Rajavi has expanded sexual relations with the female military, political and administrative ranks of the group. He also ordered the doctors to do hysterectomy surgery on some of them.
He noted that he has watched the films of the confessions of the women.
The second secretary of the American embassy mentioned that Rajavi sent the husbands to the deadly operations so as he can reach the wives and possess them in Napoleon’s way. In the existing documents in Ashraf you find out that some of the deaths in the group were not random but intentionally planned. In his long report William noted three cases of the planned deaths and wrote:
”the confessions of some of group members reveal that Rajavi was involved in 19 cases of death personally ordering the assassination.”
This American authority points out poisoning of the members and writes:
“Rajavi ordered the silent death, poisoning some friends or colleagues.
He added:
Now, it is clear for the US that MEK’s leader was involved in the suspicious death of his colleagues who were killed under his order but their death was reported falsely as the result of sickness or accident.
He continued mentioning that the forces of MEK are disappointed at the present time in Iraq and present no benefit to the US administration in the current Iraqi scene.
In a part of the report he writes:
Most of Mujahedin forces are suffering dangerous mental diseases and are likely to commit suicide or homicide.
Besides the Iraqi security authorities stressed that the Americans investigated some individuals who confessed that the MEK leader was involved in the assassination of Iranians residing abroad and some defectors of the group. To commit the assassinations, MKO enjoyed the assistance of embassies of the Saddam’s regime and his security organizations. 
(Camp Ashraf)
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=7870
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-03-16a.322053.h&s=ashraf#g322053.r0
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=6288
Monday, 20 April 2009
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Iraq: Mujahedin-e Khalq
David Drew (Stroud, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of alleged attacks on residents in Ashraf City by members of the Iraqi secret service; and if he will make a statement.
Bill Rammell (Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Harlow, Labour)
holding answer 20 March 2009
We are aware that such allegations have surfaced in the Iraqi media. We have discussed these allegations with the US, who retain a presence inside Camp Ashraf, and with the Iraqi government. We have seen no evidence to support the allegations.
Written answers
Monday, 20 April 2009
House of Lords
Iran
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Crossbench)
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure that Camp Ashraf residents who are members of the People's Mujaheddin Organisation of Iran are not expelled to Iran by the Iraqi authorities; and what alternatives to that they have proposed through the United Nations.
Lord Malloch-Brown (Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Labour)
Responsibility for the security and administration of Camp Ashraf was transferred on 1 January 2009 from the US to the Iraqi authorities. Prior to this handover the US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities towards their clear commitment to the humane treatment and continued well-being of the camp residents. The US retains a presence at the camp in an advisory/monitoring capacity.
The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights visits the camp and has delivered assurances to a representative body of the residents. The International Committee of the Red Cross follows developments at the camp closely and continues to visit. It also discusses on a confidential basis all of the issues surrounding the camp with the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) and the Iraqi and US authorities.
The UN High Commission for Refugees has previously determined that Camp Ashraf residents do not qualify as refugees. While there is no evidence to suggest that the Government of Iraq intend forcibly to relocate the residents, our Embassy in Baghdad has requested a call on the Ministry of Human Rights to make known the level of interest in this issue in the UK and to remind the Iraqi Government of their earlier assurances. Our Embassy in Baghdad is also pursuing the possibility of a visit to the camp by a consular official.
Written answers
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
House of Lords
Iraq
Lord King of West Bromwich (Labour)
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Iraq to safeguard the human rights and safety of Iranian residents in Ashraf City; and with what results.
Lord Malloch-Brown (Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Labour)
The US held responsibility for the security and administration of Camp Ashraf until 1 January 2009. Responsibility was then transferred from the US to Iraqi authorities. The modalities of the transfer had been discussed by both sides with UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. Prior to the transfer, the US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities towards their clear commitment to the humane treatment and continued wellbeing of the camp residents. The US retains a presence at the camp in an advisory/monitoring capacity.
The Government of Iraq have stated that no Camp Ashraf residents will be forcibly transferred to a country where they have reason to fear persecution. The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights visits the camp and has delivered assurances to a representative body of the residents. The International Committee of the Red Cross follows developments at the camp closely and continues to visit. It also discusses on a confidential basis all of the issues surrounding the camp with the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MeK) and the Iraqi and US authorities.
While no specific representations to the Government of Iraq have been made, our embassy in Baghdad has requested a call on the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights to make known the level of interest in this issue in the UK and to remind the Iraqi Government of its earlier assurances. In addition to this, as stated by my honourable friend, Bill Rammell, Minister of State for the Middle East, during an adjournment debate in Westminster Hall on 25 March 2009 (Hansard, col. 90WH) "the British embassy in Baghdad is pursuing the possibility of a visit by a consular official to Camp Ashraf" to ascertain whether any of its residents might be entitled to consular assistance.
Library of the House of Commons
In brief: Camp Ashraf and the Geneva Conventions
Standard note: SN/IA/05022
Last updated: 20 March 2009
Author: Arabella Thorp
Section: International Affairs and Defence Section
What is Camp Ashraf ?
Ashraf is a settlement in Iraq’s Diyala province, near the border with Iran, which houses the headquarters of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI), also known as Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) or Mujahideen-e-Khalq Organisation (MKO). The PMOI is the main body in the coalition of Iranian opposition groups known as the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and is regarded as a terrorist organisation by a number of states but has now been removed from the UK and EU lists of terrorist organisations. It sided with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War, but following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 the PMOI surrendered to US forces and 3,800 PMOI members were disarmed and cantoned in Camp Ashraf. Some 370 have since been voluntarily repatriated to Iran , and in 2004 restrictions and controls were removed. The Iraqi government has stated its intention to close the camp and expel all PMOI personnel from Iraqi territory.
Who is responsible for the inhabitants of Ashraf?
The main responsibility to protect civilians lies with the states that have effective control over them. From 2003 until 31 December 2008 US forces protected Camp Ashraf. Then on 1 January 2009, control passed to the Iraqi Government, under the new US-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement. Both the US and Iraqi governments have given assurances that, within the framework of Iraqi national legislation, Ashraf residents will be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law and with the principle of non-refoulement in particular. The UK considers the issue primarily a US rather than a UK responsibility.
What are the main concerns?
Lliving conditions at Ashraf are not generally a cause for concern, although an explosion damaged Ashraf’s water-supply station in February 2008. The main concern is that its inhabitants would be at risk of torture or other serious human rights violations if they were to be returned involuntarily to Iran. Iraq has reportedly given Ashraf’s inhabitants two options: return to Iran or find a third country for exile. Iraqi officials have however stated that PMOI members would not be forcibly repatriated to Iran and have called upon the international community to offer asylum to Ashraf’s occupants.
People who have left Camp Ashraf voluntarily have reported 'brain-washing', forced indoctrination and rough treatment by the PMOI of those who wanted to leave the camp.
This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. It should not be relied upon as being up to date; the law or policies may have changed since it was last updated; and it should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice or as a substitute for it. A suitably qualified professional should be consulted if specific advice or information is required. This information is provided subject to our general terms and conditions which are available online or may be provided on request in hard copy. Authors are available to discuss the content of this briefing with Members and their staff, but not with the general public.
Do the Geneva Conventions apply?
In July 2004, the PMOI forces in Ashraf were declared by the US to be ‘protected persons’ under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, because they had not been belligerents during the Iraq War. The Fourth Geneva Convention protects civilians who, as the result of an international armed conflict or of occupation, find themselves in the hands of a country of which they are not nationals. It states that in no circumstances shall a protected person be transferred to a country where he or she may have reason to fear persecution for his or her political opinions or religious beliefs.
In the case of occupied territory, the Convention continues to apply for a year after the general close of military operations, and partially thereafter if the occupying power continues to exercise the functions of government. The occupation of Iraq formally ended on 30 June 2004.
What other international law is relevant?
Under the international law principle of non-refoulement, no-one should be deported, expelled or repatriated if there is a real risk that they may be subjected to any kind of ill-treatment, or that they may face persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. The US has ratified international conventions embodying this principle (the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1984 UN Convention Against Torture), but Iraq has not. However, non-refoulement is widely recognised as a principle of customary international law that binds all states.
Further reading
Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK), 5 March 2009 [available through the Parliamentary Intranet]
Juan-Pedro Schaerer, Iraq: ICRC activities in behalf of Iranian nationals living in Ashraf, 3 December 2008
Zouhair Al Hassani, ‘International humanitarian law and its implementation in Iraq ’, International Review of the Red Cross Vol. 90 No. 869, March 2008
Knut Dörmann and Laurent Colassis, ‘International Humanitarian Law in the Iraq Conflict’, German Yearbook of International Law 47 (2004), 293–342
International Committee of the Red Cross, Protected persons and property and international humanitarian law [viewed 20 March 2009]
Amnesty International, Iraq: No Iranians in need of protection should be sent to Iran against their will, 28 August 2008
Amnesty International, Security agreement puts 16,000 Iraqi detainees at risk of torture, 28 November 2008
Massoud Khodabandeh (former member of PMOI), Camp Ashraf: a test of US-Iraqi relations, 7 April 2008
Iran Interlink, Nejat Society Asks UK to Support Iraqi Government Plans for Camp Ashraf Victims, 11 December 2008
Hon. David Kilgour, J.D., ‘Catastrophe on horizon for Camp Ashraf refugees’, Middle East Times 8 October 2008
House of Lords debate, Iraq: Ashraf City, HL Deb 2 March 2009 cc504-6
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=797http://hrw.org/backgrounder/mena/iran0505/
No Exit
Human Rights Abuses Inside the Mojahedin Khalq Camps 
http://www.iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=6789
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG871/
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=6775
http://www.rand.org/news/press/2009/08/04/?ref=homepage&key=t_iraqi_mek_flags
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG871.pdf