The presence of black American protesters at Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) demonstrations outside the UN assembly building is the most recent show-off of the group’s so-called public support.
The Afro-Americans have been photographed by the journalists outside the 80th session of the UN’s General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2025 in New York City. They are often bused to locations like New York City. Their presence is primarily attributed to financial incentives and recruitment through intermediaries.
Reports indicate that individuals, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are offered payment, food, and transportation to attend these rallies, sometimes without full awareness of the MEK’s background or agenda. Recruitment offers may target vulnerable populations, leveraging their need for income.
The MEK, with a complex history of terrorist activities, cult-like nature and extremism including a period on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (from 1997 to 2012), has been known to employ various tactics to bolster its public image and demonstrate support.
Similar tactics are used by the MEK recruiters in Europe. People from various backgrounds, including Ukrainian and Syrian refugees and Asian university students are bused in to Paris, Berlin or Brussels in exchange for a sandwich, bus tour and a one-night stay in a hostel.
These tactics include organizing large-scale events and rallies, often relying on paid participants to create an impression of widespread backing.
The MEK’s ability to mobilize these groups stems from its significant financial resources which are derived from various sources including state sponsors like Saddam Hussein and eventually the group’s investments on the donated money.
The group’s strategy involves presenting a diverse appearance at its rallies to counter criticism of its limited internal support and to project an image of broad international backing for its agenda.
Mazda Parsi
