Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK, NCRI, Rajavi cult) view parents as evil
.
... The decline of cult-like thinking in MKO caused its leaders to perform these TV shows. They resort to these tactics since they realize how terribly they are discarded by public opinion which will end in their final cul-de-sac in future. It is clear that the defection of experienced members following the presence of families at Ashraf gates, signifies the decline of the terrorist destructive cult of Rajavi ...
Nejat Society, May 26 2010
http://www.nejatngo.org/en/post.aspx?id=3122
"Cults In Our Midst" is a book written by professor Margaret Thaler Singer in 1995. Mrs. Singer is a Psychologist with over fifty years of research and clinical experience. Her book is a well-written text describing what cults are and how they work. The book explains how cults (Like Al Qaida or MKO) use motivational psychology to create closed controlling environments where cult members have little opportunity for free thinking.
Doctor Singer believes:
"A considerable number of different guided–imagery techniques are used by cult leaders and trainers to remove followers from their normal frames of reference […]. As a result, they enter a trancelike state in which they are more likely to heed the suggestions and absorb the content of what is being said than if they were listening in an evaluative, rational way." [1]
Professor Singer describes the role of cult leaders as:
"..Many cult leaders put great pressure on new members to leave their families, friends and jobs to become immersed in the group's major purpose. They use manipulative techniques to make the members review their past and view their parents as evil and no loner trustworthy."[2]
During the few past days, MKO leaders had some of Camp Ashraf residents interviewed on the group's TV channel. The show indicated the annoying systematic manipulative pressure on the group's rank and file.
Those who were interviewed on TV were mostly among those members whose families were waiting to visit them at Ashraf gates. The families were prevented from visiting their loved ones by MKO leaders.
It is stunning that the participants at the TV show view their awaiting and suffering parents as evils, and insult them!! They call their brother or sisters as traitors and spies of Iranian Intelligence!!
It sounds like MKO leaders are feeling distressed of the families constant presence at Ashraf gates, persisting on their legitimate demands.
The group's leaders have never expected such a situation so they commit political suicide rather than behaving democratically and according to civil ethics.
The decline of cult-like thinking in MKO caused its leaders to perform these TV shows. They resort to these tactics since they realize how terribly they are discarded by public opinion which will end in their final cul-de-sac in future.
It is clear that the defection of experienced members following the presence of families at Ashraf gates, signifies the decline of the terrorist destructive cult of Rajavi.
Sources:
[1] 'cults In Our midst: the continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace.", Professor Margaret Thaler Singer Ph.D, Page 157.
[2] Ibid page 88
----------- Also Families of MEK Victims in Camp Ashraf, Iraq Want Same Visiting Rights as U.S. Detainee Families in Iran . ... Urging Mr. Hill to intervene on their behalf with the leaders of the MEK the families said, "Your government successfully arranged for the mothers of U.S. detainees in Iran to visit their children on compassionate grounds But, if America can negotiate this with Iran, we certainly expect that you can negotiate with this small terrorist group so that its members can meet freely with their families" ... Human rights today, May 18, 2010 A group of Iranian families today asked the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Hill, for his help in negotiating with the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organisation (aka Rajavi cult, MEK, MKO, PMOI, NCRI) to give visiting rights to the detainees in Camp Ashraf in Diyala province. * * * Open Letter to the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Christopher R. Hill Dear Ambassador, We are Iranian families who have travelled to Iraq to find relatives enslaved by the Mojahedin-e Khalq organisation (aka Rajavi cult, MEK, MKO, PMOI, NCRI) in Camp Ashraf. We families have been encamped outside the gates of Camp Ashraf for nearly four months now, and still not been helped enough to meet with our relatives. We now have news that the mothers of three young Americans, Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, detained in Iran are flying over there to visit them in prison. We are so happy for these families that negotiations with Iran have resulted in allowing these visits on compassionate grounds. Everyone in the world knows the strength of the bond between parent and child. We hope they will achieve their wishes in Iran. We share the same anguish as these three mothers, with the difference that our children have been held captive in Camp Ashraf for over twenty years, not by the Iraqi government but by the very leaders of the group they are with. And conditions inside Camp Ashraf are worse than any prison; our children are not allowed to telephone or even to write to their families, they have been enslaved. Up until 2003 we could not approach the camp where our children live because the Mojahedin-e Khalq were armed. We became hopeful when U.S. Forces disarmed the group and rounded them up into one place. At last there was hope of visiting. But the U.S. Army failed to get the group to surrender, even though it is on the U.S.’s own terrorism list as well as being a foreign terrorist group in Iraq. Even when we travelled to Iraq to find our children, the U.S. Army did not help us. Those few members who were lucky enough to meet their families always had MKO minders with them to prevent them from escaping. When the Government of Iraq took control of the camp in January 2009 we again had hope that we could visit our children. But the MEK leaders refuse to cooperate and have not only kept the gate locked but threatened us with violence if we don’t leave. Now the Iraqi government is doing what it can to help us, but for almost four months we are still stuck at the entrance gate without news. Over these four months we have talked to everyone we can; UNAMI, the Red Cross, human rights groups, Diyala tribal leaders, Iraqi and foreign press, Iraqi government officials and the military personnel responsible for the camp. In private we have been told over and over again that the Iraqi government cannot do more to help us because the Mojahedin-e Khalq has powerful backing in America (where it is on the U.S. terrorism list). We witnessed ourselves that American soldiers intervened on behalf of the MEK leaders when Iraqi soldiers tried to help us get inside the camp. Now we are finally convinced that no one but America has control over this group - and even then we see that the tail is wagging the dog. We ask you as a matter of urgency, as Ambassador of the USA to Iraq, to use the considerable influence that you have to force the Mojahedin-e Khalq in Camp Ashraf to allow, on compassionate grounds, for our children to meet freely with us ------------ Also No one is to open the gates of Ashraf from the within . ... BBC report starts with a sight of a big lock on the gate of Ashraf and the starting point of the text is “No one is to open the doors; all cries are uttered in vain”. Then the father of an Ashraf resident tells the reporter “It is for 22 years that I’ve received no letter of my son”. Some MKO members managing to escape from Ashraf are quoted as saying “Mojahedin high rankings prevent members to leave camp by means of intimidation, threat, and coercive measures”... Omid Pouya, Mojahedin.ws, May 16 2010 Since the gathering of the families of MKO victims and captives before Camp Ashraf, Mojahedin media as well as advocates have staged a new round of propagation and have repeatedly asked the mass media and reporters from all over the world to cover Camp Ashraf news for the world to be informed of what is happening therein. But is it really sincere in what is advertising? A review of BBC’s report in 26 April, basically in Persian, discredits all claims made by the organization as well as the truth of the statements made by the family of MKO members made in their nearly three months of gathering before the camp to let the world hear their cries of protest against the most blatant form of the modern slavery and to see and release their children and beloved ones from the clutches of the terrorist organization. ---------- Link to BBC program (Persian), April 26, 2010: http://iran-interlink.org/fa/?mod=view&id=8025 or or ---------- 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 Film from Camp New Iraq (formerly Ashraf) Iran-Interlink, at the gates of camp Ashraf, Iraq, April 2010 Film showing the violent reaction of Mojahedin-e Khalq to the families trying to visit their children who are being held captive inside the camp by the Rajavis. (Link to the Video file Part one, 100MB) * * *
(Link to the Video file Part two, 100MB) * * * Also: Report on the Mojahedin Khalq (MKO, MEK) attack on the families on Thursday night 14th April, 2010 in front of camp New Iraq (formerly Ashraf)
... Iran-Interlink did, however, record some film that day, which will be broadcast in due course. This film will first be presented to the UN office, the Iraqi Judiciary and relevant human rights organisations.The knife wielding Mojahed woman has been identified and the families concerned are already in the process of submitting a law suit against her ... Iran Interlink, at the gates of camp New Iraq (Ashraf), April 17, 2010 This report is a short, logical addition to the mountain of statements which the MEK have issued in recent days. It has been published to further apprise those interested in this issue of what has taken place. What was it that the MEK was after when they attacked the families? One basic fact shouts louder than all others and that is, that for 66 days the MEK leaders have refused all access to the victims inside the camp. The MEK leaders did not let the families see their children even for a minute. It is also clear that the MEK began the attack and that they had planned and coordinated it with all the MEK’s systems ready to play their parts, in particular the MEK’s relentless propaganda system – resulting in the mountain of statements. The families have been waiting for many weeks in front of the gates of the camp to see their children. The MEK leaders have obdurately refused them access. The families became so desperate to make contact that they started speaking over loud speakers so they would be noticed by the people inside. Their motivation has been to try to let their children know that they are there. From last week, the families decided to expose the activities of the MEK leaders by reading out loud the interviews of Ms. Batool Soltani (a former member of the Leadership Council). The MEK leaders objected and complained to the Iraqis that the families are insulting them over the loud speakers. As evidence they referred to the Soltani interviews. The leader of the Iraqi security forces made enquiries with the families, who then submitted a copy of the Soltani interviews to him in Arabic. The MEK have opened a so-called hospital in front of the gates which they call “The Hospital No. 2”. Only the trusted leaders and members of the cult are allowed to go in and out of this place. Even so, the reading aloud of the Soltani interviews has had some effect on them, and some have been communicating with the families with their hands and with various other signals, and in this way have actually encouraged the families to continue and not to give up. In an inspired move, the families had the idea to broadcast the sound of laughter of a two year old child into the camp. The members have not heard such a voice for decades. It made some of them, who were allowed to be near the gate, smile. This was also noticed by the MEK leaders and has shaken them. Three days ago, Mr. Iman Yeganeh Khorasani from Mashad, after 22 years, drove his lorry (which he works with) up to the gates of the camp and handed himself over to the Iraqi security forces. He later came to visit the families. Iman told Iran-Interlink, “Just before the Norooz (New Year) holidays the leader of section one started insulting the families. I asked, ‘Why are you insulting the families’? He told me, ‘They have been sent by the Iranian regime’. I said, ‘Even if this was true, this would not give you reason to swear at these people. Would you swear at them even if my family was among them?' At that point I told them that I refuse to stay there". Iman continued, “They started to arrange a few brainwashing sessions for me, but when they realised that I still refused to stay, they pleaded with me, ‘Stay until the end of Norooz because you have given your word and you have to keep your promise". “A few days before Norooz they started to extract new promises from the members again to say that they would stay until next Norooz. I had no choice but to run away from the camp. But the problem is that the leaders do not allow anyone to go anywhere by themselves, or do anything by themselves, or even walk around in the camp". He described his escape; “Yesterday, I was sitting in the lorry waiting for the second person to arrive. In the few minutes that he was delayed, I took my chance. I started the lorry and drove to the Iraqi post and asked for asylum and protection.” Iman told Iran-Interlink, “The MEK leaders have been brainwashing the members against the Iraqis so they are really afraid of approaching the Iraqi officers. But I was even prepared to be killed by the Iraqi army rather than staying one more day in Rajavi’s garrison. When I realised how kind and human the Iraqis are, I was really ashamed of myself.” Since Iman’s escape, the Mojahedin no longer allow rank and file members to carry out any maintenance or service work. The leaders are now doing all the work. For example, the leaders of each section now sweep the outside pavements themselves at nights. The MEK is facing a serious problem in keeping its members people under control. They are doing everything to stop them hearing the voices of the families, and to stop them from escaping. After Iman’s escape, the leaders increased the checkpoints inside the camp and have implemented restrictive laws to prevent people from escaping. The leaders now know that they can no longer control every disaffected person – and there are many, many of them in the camp. And they now know that the families have no intention of moving from the gates of the camp. It is this deadlock which forced the MEK to try to repeat the scenario of July 2009 and this time blame the families for the violence. On Thursday morning they started clandestinely placing loud speakers about 100 meters away from the camp gates. From about 10.30 pm that day, they brought together around 200 people who started swearing at the families using the very powerful loud speakers. They then began to try to incite the families who were behind the closed gates to respond with violence. Clearly, this kind of provocative attack aimed at the 11 family members outside the gate was intended to somehow engage the Iraqi security forces and provoke violence so that the MKO could cast itself in the role of victim – that is, 3500 people the victims of 11 families. At about 1.30 in the morning, the families, acting on the advice of the Iraqi security officers, retired to their makeshift beds. Without warning, two MEK women members appeared from out of nowhere with the intention of launching an attack on them with knives. Fortunately, they were intercepted by the Iraqis and were prevented from starting any violence or carrying out their assassination attempt. The MKO continued to swear at the families over their loud speakers until 3.00 am. Then they broadcast an audio tape of the MEK military march ‘Victory’ on a loop, and threatened that they will do more and worse things to the families if they do not leave the gates of the camp. On Friday morning, the families again gathered at the camp gates with good moral. That night they hung coloured bulbs and lights all over the gate of the camp celebrating the “victory” of the MEK leaders the night before. Their slogan, which they chanted that day, was, “You continue your war and victories and we will continue our persistence with singing and celebrating”. Of course, as expected, the MEK is claiming that the Iraqi forces and the families have attacked them. It is interesting that, while they continue to film every second, day and night, they have not presented a single clip of film to show this alleged attack. Iran-Interlink did, however, record some film that day, which will be broadcast in due course. This film will first be presented to the UN office, the Iraqi Judiciary and relevant human rights organisations. The knife wielding Mojahed woman has been identified and the families concerned are already in the process of submitting a law suit against her. The families report that they are very happy to have news that Mojahedin leader Maryam Rajavi has been writing to the UN, so that someone there will be forced to take notice of their problems. They are waiting eagerly to see why it is that the UN does not take any action against the MEK’s hostage-taking terrorist leaders who are backed by some murderers in America and Israel. The families have a clear message for all: They will not leave without their children. They also warn that other families are also on their way. The families also wish to thank all the people, across the globe, who have given them support and encouragement. ---------
Also: Nejat Families at Ashraf Gates Mojahedin Khalq (MKO,MEK) Leaders bar the reunion of members with their families . ... Another group of MKO members’ families who were mobilized by Nejat Society Khuzestan branch traveled to Iraq where they are hopeful to visit their beloved ones captured by Rajavi’s destructive cult ... Nejat Society,April 08 2010 Another group of MKO members’ families who were mobilized by Nejat Society Khuzestan branch traveled to Iraq where they are hopeful to visit their beloved ones captured by Rajavi’s destructive cult. A number of families have already gone to Ashraf gates since two months ago, but they were prevented from visiting their children by MKO authorities. The families who are members of Nejat Society Khuzestan branch joined the other families at Ashraf gates, awaiting for visit with their dear ones. ------------ Also read: America, are you listening? If Rajavi harms even a hair on my sister's head, America, you are responsible! . ... Iraqi media and local dignitaries visit families outside Camp New Iraq (Ashraf) where Washington-backed terrorist group, Mojahedin-e Khalq are holding 3500 people hostage. Human Rights groups say Rajavi refuses to allow family visits in the camp. The video shows Hoorieh Mohammadi from Canada asking Americans and the MKO for compassion... Iran-interlink, outside camp New Iraq (Ashraf), February 2010 Iraqi media and local dignitaries visit families outside Camp New Iraq (Ashraf) where Washington-backed terrorist group, Mojahedin-e Khalq are holding 3500 people hostage. Human Rights groups say Rajavi refuses to allow family visits in the camp. The video shows Hoorieh Mohammadi from Canada asking Americans and the MKO for compassion. Link to the video file (200 MB, One hour) ------- Also: Human Rights Minister: documents confirm the illegality of the presence of people in Camp Ashraf in Iraq . ... For decades the MKO have been in this camp and have not been regarded as refugees. Now neither the UNHCR nor the International Organization for Migration deal with them on that basis. The Ministry has addressed these organisations formally more than once in order to lend a helping hand to them, but they always affirm in their responses that that the MKO is a military organization and has not demilitarized ... Alsabah, Baghdad, March 18, 2010 (Translated by Iran Interlink) After investigations by the Iraqi Minister of Human Rights, Minister Salim said that the presence of the residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq is illegal. She stressed that the Iraqi government will deal with them in a purely humanitarian manner, and added that since 2003 it has secured the freedom of 300 of them who wanted to leave the camp. حقوق الانسان: وثائق تؤكد عدم قانونية تواجد سكان معسكر أشرف في العراق http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=99446 اكدت وزيرة حقوق الانسان المهندسة وجدان سالم ان تواجد سكان معسكر اشرف في العراق غير قانوني فيما شددت على ان الحكومة العراقية تتعامل معهم بشكل انساني بحت لاسيما انها امنت منذ عام 2003 اخراج 300 منهم رغبوا بترك المعسكر. المهندسة سالم اوضحت ان وفودا من الوزارة تقوم بزيارة المعسكر بين الحين والاخر للاطلاع على احوال سكانه بالتنسيق مع مكاتب اللجنة الدولية للصليب الاحمروالامم المتحدة المتواجدة هناك ،كاشفة عن اعادة اكثر من 36 شخصا طلبوا الخروج من المعسكر خلال اقل من سنة وباشراف الوزارة المباشر ، منهم طلبوا العودة الى ايران بدون اي تاثير من جهات حكومية اذ تمت احالتهم الى اللجنة الدولية للصليب الاحمر التي تولت مسؤولية ذلك . ونبهت الى ضرورة عدم السماح بنقل مشاكل دول الجوار الى العراق ، لافتة ان عناصر منظمة خلق الساكنين بالمعسكر منذ عشرات السنين ليسوا بلاجئين لاسيما ان منظمة الهجرة الدولية ومفوضية شؤون اللاجئين لا تتعاملان معهم على اساس ذلك وترفضان التعاون معهم ، اذ ان الوزارة خاطبت هاتين الجهتين بشكل رسمي لاكثر من مرة بغية مد يد العون لهم الا انهما تؤكدان في اجاباتهما دائما على ان اليات تواجدهم تدل على انهم منظمة عسكرية ليست منزوعة السلاح وانهما ستتعاملان معهم حال خروجهم من المعسكر بصفة مدنية،اما مسألة حمايتهم فاوضحت انه وفقا للقوانين والاتفاقات الخاصة بحماية الاشخاص فان على هذه الجهات توفير الحماية للسكان اذا ما توافدوا من بلد يعاني من نزاعات عسكرية او حروب ،مبينة ان ذلك لا ينطبق على هؤلاء كونهم ليسوا من دولة تعاني من حروب او نزاعات. وبينت سالم انه منذ بداية سريان الاتفاقية الامنية المشتركة مع الولايات المتحدة والتي تم خلالها نقل مسؤولية المعسكر من الجانب الامريكي الى العراقي فقد تغير الوضع القانوني لهم بشكل كامل لاسيما بعد الاطلاع على ملفات المتواجدين هناك واوراقهم الرسمية التي لم نجد بها اية طلبات لجوء او حماية ما يدل على ان تواجدهم غير شرعي. ودعت الى ضرورة ان تكون الصفة العامة في التعامل معهم هي الصفة الانسانية وعدم ترحيلهم الى بلدان قد يتعرضون بها الى اذى او تعذيب ،مؤكدة ان الحكومة العراقية التزمت بهذا المبدأ ولم تنقلهم قسريا الى مكان اخر لا تتوفر به خدمات او عناية، مبدية استغرابها من رفض سكان المنطقة الانتقال الى اية ارض عراقية اخرى غير ارض المعسكر علما انها غير مؤجرة او موهوبة لهم من قبل اية جهة. --- Also: 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 ... Link to the document (pdf file) ------- 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) --------- Also: Remember the families of Rajavi cult victims in Camp Ashraf (Norooz 1389) . . . . . ... At least some have been released temporarily even though with hefty bail to spend Norooz with their families. But on the side of the Mojahedin Khalq who claim to be the 'National Liberation Army' (that is, to liberate people) we do not even see this minimum ... Hadi Shams Haeri, March 17, 2010 link to original (Persian) On the other hand, we see that during the past few months the families of the prisoners, who are generally intellectuals, reporters and other more sophisticated layers of Iranian society, have gathered in front of Evin Prison in Tehran to get some news from their loved ones or get a visit perhaps. Their suffering is continuous. This denial of basic human rights and the suffering caused by that multiplies when it coincides with a time of celebration and rejoining of families like now, Norooz or the Persian New year. At a time when all families try to gather around the HAFTSEEN and congratulate one another on the arrival of Spring and the youngsters expect presents from the seniors, the absence of Rajavi's prisoners is harsher on the families.
Does the MKO leadership have the right to refuse a visit between a father and a son in this case? If so , then what is the point of the Mojahedin’s so-called struggle for the people? If the MKO want to keep this legacy of denying rights for whoever is against me and to punish the father for what the son has done or visa-versa, and to punish a copper beater in a city for the crimes of an ironmonger in another city, then seriously what is the point? ------------- Also Families of Rajavi cult victims maintain their vigil outside Camp Ashraf . ... For the families, it makes no difference now who will meet their loved ones first. Now the families, which are growing in number by the day, are in the sixth week of their picket in front of the camp. They have taken a collective oath not to leave the gate until they release all the children and all the hostages from Rajavi cult’s garrison ...
Iran Interlink, Camp New Iraq (Formerly Ashraf), March 15, 2010 “…this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost but now he has been found!” (Luke 15:24) In February, when the MKO leaders realised that a group of Iranian families were to visit Camp Ashraf and would insist on visiting their relatives who were resident there, they used their propaganda to claim that the families are actually agents sent by the Iranian intelligence services and they have been sent to kill the MKO members and destroy the camp.
--------- Also Mojahedin Khalq families denied meetings with their captured children in Camp Ashraf . ... The Iraqi government continued throughout the last month to convince them of the need to deal with this situation in a humane and approved way to allow meeting between Iranian families and their children, and not to accept false statements and counterfeit, which accuses the Iraqi government of violating human rights laws. The failed negotiations have resulted in the ... Almotamar, Diyala, Iraq 28 February 2010 (translated by Iran Interlink) The Mojahedin Khalq Organisation (MEK, MKO) has refused to grant meetings to the families who have came from Iran to Iraq to meet their children who are members of the Mojahedin Khalq and who for years have been held captive by the organization’s leaders in Camp Ashraf. Mojahedin leaders did not allow the families who came from Iran to Iraq with the consent and support of the Iraqi government to Camp Ashraf in Diyala province since last month, to meet with their children who are in Camp Ashraf in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad and who have been detained by the Organization since the eighties of the last century with the cooperation and support of the former regime. The protest surprised officials of the Organization who refuse to allow members of the Organization meet relatives for fear they will leave the organization and Camp Ashraf and return to their homeland and their families. The Organisation launched excuses such as lack of names required for the interview between the elements of the organization, or failure of the children themselves to desire to meet with their families and their refusal to communicate with their families and their relatives. Sources said that the Iraqi government has sought the presence of the delegation of the United Nations and International Red Cross and international human rights organization to hold direct negotiations with the leaders of the organization. The Iraqi government continued throughout the last month to convince them of the need to deal with this situation in a humane and approved way to allow meeting between Iranian families and their children, and not to accept false statements and counterfeit, which accuses the Iraqi government of violating human rights laws. The failed negotiations have resulted in the rejection of the absolute leaders of the organization to this humanitarian initiative. Ultimately, to reach an end to the sit-in by dozens of Iranian families outside the gates of Camp Ashraf, the Iraqi government and international community must intervene to pressure the leaders of the organization in Camp Ashraf in order to allow meetings with their children and allow them to make personal decisions in response to their emotions and their sensations. منظمة خلق ترفض مقابلة العوائل الايرانية لابنائها المحتجزين في معسكر اشرف ديالى – المؤتمر رفضت منظمة (مجاهدي خلق) مقابلة العوائل الايرانية الذين جاءوا من ايران الى العراق لمقابلة ابنائهم من اعضاء مجاهدين الاسرى من قبل المنظمة في معسكر اشرف بعد مرورسنوات طويلة. فلم تسمح المنظمة لعدد من العوائل الايرانية الذين جاءوا من ايران الى العراق بموافقة ودعم الحكومة العراقية الى معسكر اشرف في محافظة ديالى منذ الشهر الماضي وذلك لملاقاة ابنائهم من اعضاء منظمة خلق المتواجدين في معسكر اشرف في محافظة ديالى شمال شرق بغداد والذين تحتجزهم المنظمة منذ عقد الثمانينات من القرن الماضي بتعاون ودعم النظام السابق ، حين تفاجأوا باحتجاج المسؤولين في المنظمة الذين يرفضون مقابلة اعضاء المنظمة بعوائلهم خوفاً من تركهم المنظمة ومعسكر اشرف والعودة الى وطنهم وذويهم ، وذلك من خلال اطلاق ذرائع اهمها عدم وجود الاسماء المطلوبة للمقابلة بين عناصر في المنظمة ، أوعدم رغبة الابناء انفسهم من مقابلة عوائلهم ورفضهم الاتصال بذويهم واقاربهم. وذكرت مصادر ان الحكومة العراقية من جهتها سعت وبحضور وفد الامم المتحدة والصليب الاحمر الدولي ومنظمة حقوق الانسان الدولية الى اجراء مفاوضات مباشرة مع قادة المنظمة استمرت طوال الشهر الماضي من اجل اقناعهم بضرورة التعامل مع هذا الموقف بشكل انساني والموافقة على مقابلة العوائل الايرانية لابنائهم وعدم اطلاق التصريحات الباطلة والمزيفة التي تتهم الحكومة العراقية بخرق قوانين حقوق الانسان ، وفي النهاية فشلت كل المفاوضات نتيجة الرفض المطلق لقادة المنظمة لهذه المبادرة الانسانية ، الامرالذي انتهى الى اعتصام عشرات العوائل الايرانية امام معسكر اشرف مطالبين الحكومة العراقية والمجتمع الدولي التدخل للضغط على قادة المنظمة في معسكر اشرف من اجل مقابلة ابنائهم واتخاذ القرارات الشخصية استجابة لعواطفهم واحاسيسهم.
--------- Also: Fear and Slavery in the Mojahedin-e Khalq cult . ... This threat does not come from outside agencies, but arises directly from the cult nature of the organisation itself; hence the MKO leaders’ hysteria over eight family members knocking at the camp gate asking to see their relatives ... Anne Singleton, November 2009 Foreword The families in Iraq announced on Friday 6th that they had finally been able to meet with their relatives, but were far from satisfied with the circumstances. They said that when the MKO leaders discovered that they were coming to the camp accompanied by several Iraqi and American reporters, they accepted to negotiate. The MKO agreed that the families could meet with their relatives for a few hours on condition that they do not talk to the media. The families accepted and held meetings. * * * Fear and Slavery in the Mojahedin-e Khalq cult By Anne Singleton, November 2009 For those still interested enough to follow the dwindling fortunes of the foreign terrorist cult, Mojahedin-e Khalq, isn’t there something faintly ludicrous in the group’s desperate denunciation of anyone and everyone who does not fall on their side of a red line, drawn excruciatingly tightly around the organisation and its backers, as “agents of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry”? Is it really a case of ‘us few against the rest of the world’? 
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8106
http://humanrights.einnews.com/article.php?nid=60944
The parents of captives in Camp Ashraf were responding to news that the mothers of three young Americans detained in Iran, Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, are on their way to visit their children in prison there.
They said, "We are so happy for these families that negotiations with Iran have resulted in allowing these visits on compassionate grounds. Everyone in the world knows the strength of the bond between parent and child. We hope they will achieve their wishes in Iran."
For nearly four months the families have been encamped outside the camp which houses members of the Mojahedin-e Khalq terrorist cult. The cult leaders refuse to allow ordinary members to have any contact with the outside world and will not negotiate with external bodies. Some members have been trapped inside the camp for over twenty years.
Although the Government of Iraq is responsible for the camp, officials say their hands are tied because the MEK have powerful backers in Washington, even though it is on the U.S.'s own terrorism list. The families told Mr. Hill, "We witnessed ourselves that American soldiers intervened on behalf of the MEK leaders when Iraqi soldiers tried to help us get inside the camp."
Urging Mr. Hill to intervene on their behalf with the leaders of the MEK the families said, "Your government successfully arranged for the mothers of U.S. detainees in Iran to visit their children on compassionate grounds… But, if America can negotiate this with Iran, we certainly expect that you can negotiate with this small terrorist group so that its members can meet freely with their families."
Your government successfully arranged for the mothers of U.S. detainees in Iran to visit their children on compassionate grounds and we wish them every joy that such a meeting must bring. But, if America can negotiate this with Iran, we certainly expect that you can negotiate with this small terrorist group so that its members can meet freely with their families.
The families of MEK members in Camp Ashraf, Iraq
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=8103
http://www.mojahedin.ws/article/show_en.php?id=3506
BBC report starts with a sight of a big lock on the gate of Ashraf and the starting point of the text is “No one is to open the doors; all cries are uttered in vain”. Then the father of an Ashraf resident tells the reporter “It is for 22 years that I’ve received no letter of my son”. Some MKO members managing to escape from Ashraf are quoted as saying “Mojahedin high rankings prevent members to leave camp by means of intimidation, threat, and coercive measures”. And BBC reporter expounds on the reaction of Ashraf officials, stating: The gates of the camp are closed on the reporters too and despite we have called Mojahedin authorities inside camp many times, there is no answer to our questions. Finally, BBC refers to the main challenge of Ashraf victims and its solution: ‘The US recognizes Mojahedin as a terrorist organization yet it has some advocators among American and European politicians and lawmakers who defend the survival of camp Ashraf in Iraq. Now the basic question is how long the few advocates of Mojahedin are to victimize thousands of innocents and their families for their own interests? There are some points to be mentioned on the BBC report.
The report approved the fact that despite the dissemination of Mojahedin and inviting mass media to camp Ashraf, the organization has so far refrained to welcome the reporters’ presence and answering their questions. Instead, it refers to the gathering before the camp as a propaganda show staged by the Iranian regime and calling people and reporters Intelligence Ministry agents swarming at the front gate of Ashraf by the collaboration of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office. The report has some shocking scenes illustrating the oppression and injustice of Ashraf high rankings imposed on MKO victims, their families and children and focuses on the gap separating Ashraf from the family of its residents as well as the baseless claims of Rajavi on the point that Ashraf residents have remained there at will and its doors are open for those willing to leave and other lies fabricated by him for killing time and victimizing more members. There is no need to interpret the tearful eyes of an eight-year-old girl who has never seen his father since she was born. The BBC report contains justifiable and significant points to convince the global community, international humanitarian institutions and mass media to be concerned about the blatant violations of human rights and international rules by the leaders of a blacklisted terrorist cult that respects no convention, law and domestic legislation. Here are some suggestions that may well help avert further violations of human rights by the organization and possible release of the enslaved members.
1. The international organizations are supposed to send their independent delegates to Iraq to be informed of the events inside and outside Camp Ashraf directly if they ever care for human rights and justice. It may prevent victimization of more MKO members used as human shields in Ashraf. Mojahedin advocates can make a descent visit of camp in order to get at the truth.
2. The Iraqi Government has done its best in order to prohibit any human disaster inside Ashraf. It is the best position taking on the part of the government after the bloody conflicts of June 2009 in proving its goodwill toward Ashraf residents. According to BBC report, the Iraqi police are just trying to preserve order in the region maintaining neutrality, yet Mojahedin leaders insist on developing a violent atmosphere by means of assaulting and battering the family of Ashraf residents located beside camp. The best solution at the time being seems to be the direct interference of international organs and bodies; otherwise, any negligence in this regard may result in negative consequences that in no way vindicate any concerned organization and body.
3. BBC report reveals that Mojahedin cannot bear the presence of mass media in the region in contrast to their claims. They are well aware that the disclosure of the truth may be a barrier in the way of their propaganda blitz and psychological warfare. Therefore, the continuous presence of the media in the region may foil Mojahedin’s plans.
4. The fact that a number of Ashraf residents escaped from the camp to join their family may reveal that the organization has kept MKO members inside camp by force. The presence of the concerned international institutions may facilitate the free exodus of the captives. Any delay in this regard may impose irreparable costs on the voluntary split of members and encouraging the leaders to continue with the human tragedy ultimatums.
5. The presence of a number of families before Camp Ashraf, that has emboldened some insiders to the escape and also disclose the true notorious nature of Mojahedin, may emphasize the necessity of the presence of other families to save their children. Undoubtedly, Ashraf officials cannot bear the existing conditions forever. As mentioned before, the first step for the dissolution of Camp Ashraf is by rendering the organization helpless through a striking split therein and this is the best time for breaking cultic relations of MKO to set the members free. The supports of the families may pave he way for releasing their children from the firm clutch of Rajavi.
6. The interaction of the families with the media is of a high significance. It may deprive Rajavi of his lever of fabrication and distortion of the truth as well as trying to win the sympathy of the world by putting the bargaining chip in the hands of the families as it was revealed in the blind and hysteric backlashes of Mojahedin against BBC report. In a nutshell, Rajavi and Ashraf high rankings have reached a stalemate and the persistence of the present conditions may lead to their full destruction in the near future.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/world
/2010/04/100426_l42_ashraf_camp.shtml
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J96_IeD2bt0
http://iran-interlink.org/index.php?mod=view&id=7991
.jpg)
(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://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7975
http://www.iran-interlink.org 
(Link to the Video file Part one, 100MB)
(Link to the Video file Part two, 100MB)
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7973
(A cult session in Ashraf Camp Iraq)
http://www.iran-interlink.org
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7929
http://www.nejatngo.org/en/post.aspx?id=3057
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7915
www.iran-interlink.org
Link to the video file (200 MB, One hour)
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7882
http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=99446
In a statement summarised by al-sabaah newspaper, Minister Salim said that the government is dealing with the residents of the camp in Diyala province, members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, in a humane fashion. The absence of any official documents in their files of applications for asylum is an indication of the illegality of their presence in Camp Ashraf. However, between 2003 until the end of 2009, 300 have left the camp of their own free will and returned to their own country.
Minister Salim said that delegations from the Human Rights Ministry visit the camp from time to time to review the conditions of its population in coordination with the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations. In less than a year, 36 people have asked to leave the camp under the direct supervision of the Ministry. They asked to return to Iran without any influence from government bodies and they were brought to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which took responsibility for them.
For decades the MKO have been in this camp and have not been regarded as refugees. Now neither the UNHCR nor the International Organization for Migration deal with them on that basis and refuse to cooperate with them. The Ministry has addressed these organisations formally more than once in order to lend a helping hand to them, but they always affirm in their responses that that the MKO is a military organization and has not demilitarized. They can only deal with them once they leave the camp and claim civilian protection.
Minister Salim explained that the laws and agreements on the protection of populations who seek protection on the grounds of suffering because of armed conflicts or war do not apply to them because they are not in a nation in war or conflict.
Minister Salim indicated that since the beginning of the SOFA with the United States which transferred responsibility for the camp from the Americans to the Iraqis, the legal situation has changed completely for them. In particular after review of the records and papers which exist, officials did not find any requests for asylum or protection or evidence that their presence is in any way legal.
Minister Sailm said that in general it is necessary to deal with them in a spirit of humanity and not to deport them to countries where they may be exposed to harm or torture, asserting that the Iraqi government has committed itself to this principle. She expressed surprise at their refusal to be moved to another location which provides services and care since they have not rented and nor do they own the land they currently occupy.
واشارت في تصريح خصت بـه( الصباح ) الى ان الحكومة تتعامل مع سكان المعسكر الواقع في محافظة ديالى من عناصر منظمة مجاهدي خلق الايرانية بشكل انساني على الرغم من عدم وجود وثائق رسمية ضمن ملفاتهم تحوي طلبات لجوء ما يؤشر عدم قانونية تواجدهم في معسكر اشرف ، مؤكدة تامين اخراج 300 منهم رغبوا بارادتهم الخاصة ترك المعسكر وتوزعوا بين لاجئين وعائدين الى بلادهم منذ عام 2003 لغاية نهاية عام 2009 .
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=6789
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG871/
(Camp Ashraf)
(Massoud and Maryam Rajavi the cult leaders)
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=6775
http://www.rand.org/news/press/2009/08/04/?ref=homepage&key=t_iraqi_mek_flags
(Massoud Rajavi and Saddam Hussein)
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG871.pdf
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7875
http://iran-interlink.org/fa/?mod=view&id=7873
It is now a few months that the families of Rajavi cult victims trapped in Camp New Iraq (formerly Ashraf) have come to the gates of this camp in Iraq. They have risked the dangers posed by the remains of the Baathists and Al Qaeda and the situation of today’s Iraq only with a hope that they may visit their loved ones for a short time. They have undertaken this difficult and unusual journey only with the hope that the hard hearts of the MKO leaders may give way to some leniency and humanity and they be given the chance of a visit and a hug from their family members.
Prisons and prisoners have always been one of the most troubling problems for human beings, especially whenever a dictator is in charge, and inevitably the families are denied even their basic rights of visiting their loved ones.
I believe that prisoners and their families, irrelevant to ones belief or political views or affiliations, and irrelevant to whatever label - true of false - is given to them, have human rights which cannot be denied to them for whatever reason. It makes no difference whether the prisoner is a friend or an enemy. We have a duty to support their basic human rights, especially when it comes to the visits of families who have no connection to these issues whatsoever. Families have and should have the right to visit under any circumstances.
It is years now that the residents of Camp Ashraf are missing the benefits of this historical and national day and the visits of families and friends on this occasion. It is years that they are trapped in a garrison far away from any human being. And now, 7 years after the fall of Saddam still not one of their leaders want to accept that Iranians in this day gather around each other and chat and eat and enjoy the festival.
On the side of the Iranian government, meaning the prison guards and the Judiciary, at least we have witnessed some sort of acknowledgment of Norooz. At least some have been released temporarily even though with hefty bail to spend Norooz with their families. But on the side of the Mojahedin Khalq who claim to be the 'National Liberation Army' (that is, to liberate people) we do not even see this minimum. They have not yet allowed a even a single family who are sitting in the front of the camp to visit their children.
These families in front of Camp Ashraf of course have a different situation compared with the families in front of Evin Prison in Tehran. These families are in a foreign land with a foreign language miles away from any city. Old men and women sitting in the middle of a desert with no facilities whatsoever. Their only wish is for a glance of their loved ones. If the leaders of Mojahedin Khalq allow them.
Even if we accept the Mojahedin leaders' claim that these old men and women are somehow affiliated to the Iranian Intelligence Ministry, still they have this minimum of right to see their children.
This has been the question of many people from Mojahedin Khalq leaders for a long time. A question which has never been answered.
But on another front. Should we put our faith in the hands of the international human rights organisations and believe that there will one day be some ears to take notice of the suffering of these families?
With the hope for a very happy Norooz and with the reminder to everyone that this ancient celebration has been passed down from our very distant ancestors. We sincerely hope that one day all families could have their loved ones beside them around the table of haftseen and we ask everyone to remember the families sitting outside Camp Ashraf and pray for them.
We hope for a day that the goddess of freedom would spead her wings over everyone. 
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7858
http://iran-interlink.org
However, when pictures of the families were published on various websites, the MKO removed their false messages from their western funded propaganda media; their television channel, websites and print media. They suddenly realised that people are looking at them and wondering how it is that the “National Liberation Army” which was supposed to liberate a country of 70 million people, is crying foul and saying that 25 pensioners are able to destroy them in their own camp with nothing in their hands. Having said that, the 25 pensioners themselves each believe that they will destroy the cult single-handedly as they know that once the gates of Camp Ashraf are opened and people are allowed to decide for themselves, no-one would be left for the leaders of this terrorist cult and all their hostages will leave.
For the time being, Maryam Rajavi and some of her henchmen are riding on the backs of these hostages trapped in the Iraqi camp. They issue their stream of advertisement statements paid for with money stolen from Iraqi banks. The MKO began to take video clips of the families suffering outside the gate of the camp. They ridiculed them and their desperate situation while showing Maryam Rajavi portraying herself as a film star, a celebrity.
This ridiculous CIA funded and CIA backed propaganda of the cult in the west continued until the families decided to turn their banners and loud speakers towards the residents inside the camp so that any film taken by the MKO from inside the camp would have inevitably shown and recorded the simple demand of the families (or as the MKO was trying to pretend, the ‘agents of the regime’). Suddenly all the filming and broadcasting from the cult outlets stopped. They could no longer show them since the simple demand would be seen on their simple banners – let us see our children.
The MKO cult leaders then waited and expected that the old men and women with no place to stay at the gates of the camp would one by one and in a matter of days, fall ill or become tired and would eventually leave. They would not be able to survive under simple tents for much longer. This may have been true and some of the older and sick families had to leave the gate after a while and go back home to attend their problems. But the MKO leaders did not imagine that others with the same goal and overcoming the same problems would not leave. And they little imagined that there are many more who will replace the ones who can no longer continue.
For the families, it makes no difference now who will meet their loved ones first. Now the families, which are growing in number by the day, are in the sixth week of their picket in front of the camp. They have taken a collective oath not to leave the gate until they release all the children and all the hostages from Rajavi cult’s garrison.
Latest pictures from the gate of Camp New Iraq (formerly Ashraf)
http://iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7778
http://www.inciraq.com/pages/view_paper.php?id=201024156
http://www.inciraq.com/pages/view_paper.php?id=201024156
http://www.iran-interlink.org/?mod=view&id=7192
However the families also said that their loved ones told them not to pursue the issue any further and said they must cut all further contact with them otherwise they will come under severe pressure from the cult leaders.
The families have now decided to pursue the issue of the camp with the Human Rights Ministry of Iraq in private. 
An examination of the current crisis the MKO is facing reveals that it is not involved in a pitched battle to overthrow the Iranian regime – or has that aim been abandoned without them telling anyone – but the arrival at the doors of its camp in Iraq of eight elderly Iranian folk seeking contact with close relatives – sons, daughters, husbands –inside the camp, who they have not seen for many, many years and with whom they wish to meet. All eight have been denounced by the MKO leaders as “agents of the Iranian secret services” who have been deliberately sent to dismantle the camp and take its residents back to Iran.
Really?
These eight – and the other small groups and individuals who have arrived at the camp over the past six years - are terrifying agents capable of destroying Rajavi’s dedicated, self-sacrificing, totally committed force of Mojaheds? Surprising then that they have not come armed with dynamite and bulldozers, but instead come with kindness, warmth and words filled with both love and sorrow. They come with news and messages from family and friends, about births, deaths, marriages and all the little minutiae of ordinary life.
How interesting. How revealing. What a sad admission of the fragility and nihilism of the Rajavi cult that they are truly terrified by this.
Are we to believe that Iran’s “main opposition” - to quote its own self-publicity – which purports to be able to overthrow the Iranian regime in its entirety and establish a democracy in its place, is full of individuals terrified that their Mum or Dad will come along and pull their ear and make them go home? (And we must not forget that these are individuals with an average age of around 50 years.) Is it really that easy to turn a dedicated individual away from their struggle?
Isn’t the only rational interpretation of the MKO’s current hysteria that Massoud and Maryam Rajavi can only keep hold of their followers through deception and coercion and that the visit of these families will threaten to undermine that.
The fundamental, unavoidable fact behind all this is that the MKO is a dangerous, destructive mind control cult which holds its members in a state of modern slavery.
And the significance of this is far greater than the story of these eight families and involves the geopolitical future of Iraq and the region.
In brief, the MKO is described as a dangerous cult because it believes in using violence to achieve its stated aims. It is destructive because it destroys the lives, minds and spirits of its membership. The majority of the members are held incommunicado, with no access at all to the outside world. Within this isolation they are subjected to a systematic daily regime of psychological manipulation and coercion.
One of the most potent tools used by cult leaders to control their members is through the inculcation of irrational fears, or phobias, in the minds of cult members. Every cult has its own version of phobia. But all will be focused on creating an irrational fear in a cult member of critics and opponents of the cult, especially former members and family members; who of course are best placed to understand the cult mindset and be able to penetrate it. The member will become fearful anytime the phobia is activated. In the case of the MKO, the ‘code’ which activates the phobia is the tag ‘agent of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry’. No empirical evidence is required as the phrase works exactly to arouse irrational, not real, fear.
Members of the MKO live in a state of almost perpetual fear. It is through fear that the MKO not only enthrals its members but deceives uninformed politicians and media persons. The use of the word terror in this article is not for the sake of exaggeration. It describes the employment of irrational fears to ‘terrorise’ the subject. Western parliaments, media and humanitarian agencies are being ‘terrorised’ by a sophisticated campaign of psychological manipulation in which MKO lobbyists arouse a subtle level of irrational fear of spurious, deceptive spectres (usually these will be tagged ‘agents of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence’) facing the “main Iranian opposition movement”, the MKO.
Ironically this unarmed ‘terrorist’ campaign is waged by the MKO to avoid exposure and activation of the real existential threat hanging over the group. This threat does not come from outside agencies, but arises directly from the cult nature of the organisation itself; hence the MKO leaders’ hysteria over eight family members knocking at the camp gate asking to see their relatives.
But, those still interested enough to keep on following the dwindling fortunes of the foreign terrorist cult Mojahedin-e Khalq, will already know that this is not the whole story. Not even the real story. And those who may squirm at seeing see the emperor’s nakedness should look away now.
For six years the American Army provided protection for the MKO in Iraq, a group which both the U.S. and Iraq designate as a foreign terrorist entity. The RAND National Defense Research Institute report ‘The Mujahedin-e Khalq in Iraq – A Policy Conundrum’ published in August 2009 describes the U.S.’ failure to deal decisively with the group; to dismantle it as should have happened, as successive Iraqi governments since December 2003 required should happen. According to the report, “Approximately 14 U.S. soldiers were killed and 60 wounded as they provided security for convoys escorting MeK [MKO] members to Baghdad to purchase supplies. Thus, it was often unclear just who was in charge of Camp Ashraf”. According to the report, the order to protect this useful little mercenary terrorist cult came from the very top, from former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Why?
Just as the MKO leaders denied families access to their relatives inside the camp, the firmly closed doors of the camp against this existential threat proved an extremely convenient location to reassemble members of the former Saddam Hussein’s regime. Over six years the MKO has played host to supporters and officials of the former Iraqi dictator’s regime. Insurgent violence in the Diyala province has been coordinated from the MKO camp under U.S. protection.
So, when eight family members arrive at the gates of the MKO camp, it is not only the MKO leaders who fear the existential threat to the cult, but the group’s western backers. For over two decades, the Mojahedin-e Khalq has been promoted by western interests as Saddam Hussein’s private army. Since 2003, the group’s Zionist and neoconservative backers, fronted by Lord Corbett in the U.K., Struan Stevenson and Alejo Vidal-Quadras in the European Parliament, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in the U.S. Congress, and U.S. lobbyist Raymond Tanter, have not been supporting the MKO for humanitarian reasons (otherwise they would surely support these family visits). They are protecting and promoting the group as a proxy for reintroducing Saddamists into Iraqi politics.
Those terrorised into believing they support the MKO for humanitarian reasons to protect them from destruction by the Government of Iran need to summon a little energy and a little courage to look beyond this false, superficial reasoning and really examine the facts. In doing so they will be faced with a stark choice: support the MKO as a proxy for the re-emergence of pro-western Saddamists in Iraq, or support the elected Government of Iraq as an independent, sovereign government.
That is clearly a political choice. But in the meantime, remember, the real victims of the MKO’s terrorism are the cult’s own members who are enslaved by fear.