Page 57 – Nejat Society

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson; Nasser Kanaani

Iran reacts to developments in MKO terrorist base in Albania

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on early Wednesday reacted to the developments that occurred in the base of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO) terrorist organization in Manez.

The MKO elements will always pose a threat to the security of their host due to their terrorist nature, Nasser Kan’ani tweeted.

For this reason, the Iraqi government expelled them and other governments refused to accept them, he added.

Several people were injured on Tuesday as Albania’s police inspected a base of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO) terrorist organization in Manez.

Following the clashes that broke out between the terrorist forces and the Albanian police, an MKO terrorist was killed and dozens of others were injured, according to the reports.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson; Nasser Kanaani

The reports added that 6 of the injured terrorists are in critical health condition.

“We hope that the Albanian government will make up for its mistake in hosting these terrorists,” he added.

According to the statement released by the Albanian interior ministry, the Albanian police took control of the terrorists’ base for an hour and inspected their offices and electronic devices.

Some unconventional electronic devices, including a number of drones, were seized by the police, according to the statement.

The MKO has conducted numerous assassinations and bombings against Iranian statesmen and civilians since the 1979 victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Its members fled Iran in 1986 to Iraq, where they enjoyed backing from former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Out of the nearly 17,000 Iranians killed in terrorist assaults since the Islamic Revolution, about 12,000 have fallen victim to the MKO’s acts of terror.

MKO terrorists enjoy the freedom of activity in the US and Europe and even hold regular meetings where European and American officials make speeches.

June 24, 2023 0 comments

Missions of Nejat Society

Nejat CEO’s letter to the President of Albania

His Excellency Major General Bajram Begaj
Honorable President of the Republic of Albania, Commander in Chief, and Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council

Greetings and regards
I am Ebrahim Khodabandeh, the CEO of the NGO Najat Society in Iran. I am writing to you on behalf of the families of members trapped in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK, MKO, Rajavi Cult) camp in Albania. I guess you are relatively familiar with these names.

First of all, I would like to express the gratitude of the families and former members of the MEK for the responsible action of the Albanian government in exercising the right of national sovereignty, which revealed the true face and main nature of the MEK to the world. This action, which was carried out for the highest national interests of Albania, also brought joy to the families and shone a light of hope on their hearts so that with the opening of the doors of the luxurious and green prison of the MEK in Manëz, they could meet, after decades, with their loved ones in complete freedom and liberation. Undoubtedly, this will be a turning point so that the captives of the Rajavi Cult can communicate with the free world and the families.

As an international relations expert who has enough experience and knowledge in the external relations of the MEK, and as someone who has played a responsible role in the international activities of this organization for 23 years around the clock, and fully acquainted with the function and mentality of its leaders, I would like to share my experiences with the governmental institutions of the Republic of Albania.

It should be noted that the leadership of the MEK has benefited from having an isolated and remote camp in Albania for nearly a decade, which is the dream of every leader of a terrorist cult. In this camp, which, unfortunately, until Tuesday, June 20, the officials of the Albanian government did not have the right to interfere in its internal affairs, there were three significant systematic offenses:

1. Violation of the most basic human rights of the brainwashed members of the cult, who are cut off from the outside world, especially family and friends.

2. Forming a cyber army or troll farm using the unlimited internet facilities in Albania, this targets the cyber security of Iran and the Iranian people.

3. Directing terrorist cells known as rebel centers from Albanian soil using Albanian communication facilities in a part known as Interior Headquarters to carry out malicious operations that threaten the lives and property of the Iranian people.

I request the honorable presidency of the Republic of Albania, and all the members of the National Security Council and experts who deal with this terrorist cult to conduct deeper studies about the mind control destructive cults, because without mastering this knowledge, it is not possible to understand the functioning of the MEK. I and other former members of the MEK inside and outside Albania are always ready to inform about the events inside their camp in Manëz. This extensive and detailed information would be given willingly to whoever might demand them for more knowledge.

Immediately after the legal action of the police authorities of the Albanian government on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, which took place in order to exercise the right of national sovereignty, the MEK, which considers itself beyond any law, and shares this experience with all the countries where it resides, has been active and entered into a series of propaganda and practical measures, some of which I would like to state based on what happened in the past with this organization in Iran, Iraq, France and even the USA.

It is necessary to point out the strong and urgent positions of the MEK against the Albanian government, and the propaganda controversy in this direction by spending huge costs and using all the capacities of lobbying and cover organizations, which have been prepared in advance. This requires the vigilance and timely action of the Albanian government to prevent it, which other governments have experienced in the past.

The MEK claimed that this legal action was taken at the request of Iran and described it as a “criminal and repressive attack” and “a barbaric and illegal action”, which was truly the inalienable right of the Albanian government. Albania has hosted this group for nearly a decade, while no other country was willing to accept it, and because of the presence and activities of this group, it found problems with Iran and became a victim of cyber-attacks, and finally cut ties with Iran and expelled diplomats and closed the Iranian embassy.

We remember that when the US Department of State put this group on the list of terrorist organizations, the same accusations were made against the US government and MEK published a 40 page booklet against the then US administration. Of course the European Union and the governments of the UK, France and Iraq were also accused of such false accusation, which happens any time a contrary action is taken.

As stated in the announcement of the National Council of Resistance (cover name for MEK), this happened in Ashraf Garrison in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship on two occasions in 2009 and 2015. The MEK showed the same behavior and forced people to throw themselves in front of the police vehicles and even attacked the Iraqi police with weapons and finally accused the then government of Iraq of colluding with Iran, because based on their cultic doctrine, they consider themselves above the law and have never considered themselves subject to the law in any country. Later, mass graves and large quantities of weapons were found in this garrison.

On June 17, 2003, Maryam Rajavi’s residence in Paris was searched by the French police and Maryam Rajavi and about 120 members of the MEK were arrested. Masoud Rajavi immediately ordered self-immolation, which took place in 10 European cities, resulting in two deaths. This cultic behavior was noticed by the observers at the time, and some media announced the danger that those who easily set themselves on fire are capable of committing any crime.

At the same time, the MEK launched a series of legalized activities with the support of propaganda events against the French government at the time, and created an atmosphere against the French government with noise and controversy in every way, as if they were oppressed and it was the French government who has wronged. The MEK accused the French government of colluding with the Iranian government. In this search, 9 million dollars in cash was discovered in Maryam Rajavi’s personal safe, which the MEK could never determine the origin of this money. This was a clear example of money laundering and violation of financial regulations. Also, documents were found in their computers that they had planned to assassinate their opponents. But what was advertised in the media was that the MEK was oppressed, which finally put pressure and influence on the judge of the case.

The experience of these years in different countries, from Iraq and France to Albania, shows that this organization will start the following measures and will vigorously advance them.

1. It will mobilize all its lobbies, especially in the USA, to put pressure on the Albanian government for violating human rights and colluding with the Iranian government, so that finally, the Albanian government will give special privileges to the MEK in order to get rid of the burden of these pressures.

2. By pretending to be oppressed, it mobilizes the supporters throughout the European Union, who are mostly former officials of the countries, and pretends that they express the opinions of their respective governments, and by this it tries to falsely show that the Albanian government is in complete international isolation.

3. Most of the parliamentary friendship groups and non-governmental organizations that have been prepared in the form of a cover in advance, which mostly do not have material existence, create atmosphere against the Albanian government and show that it seems that the public opinion of the world and especially the United States and Europe has been against the action of the Albanian government.

4. It mobilizes prominent and expensive legal lawyers by spending exorbitant expenses obtained from illegal incomes to take extensive legal measures at the same time as propaganda work, and for this reason, by taking time and energy from the government, it exerts more pressure.

5. It will bring in its secret lobbies, especially in the USA, which apparently do not support the MEK, and gives the feeling to the Albanian government that the general situation is against the government and it is necessary for it to retreat and give up its right to sovereignty, and accept the existence of another government in its country.

6. It becomes active in the form of other opposition groups, which in practice are nothing but cover organizations of the MEK, to show if it seems that other opponents of the Islamic Republic do not agree with this action of the Albanian government. Meanwhile, other opposition groups have repeatedly declared their disgust and hatred for this terrorist cult.

7. Employs an intense propaganda bombardment using elements in the media or from among mostly former political and religious figures that are attracted by deception or enticement, which may even take the form of holding rallies in front of Albanian embassies in other countries to influence the security and judicial authorities.

During its 42-year existence outside of Iran, the MEK has always established a parasitic relationship with the governments of the host countries, and tried to abuse them and place itself above the law, and if the relevant government has even a single dissenting opinion, they acted on blackmail and false advertising and started creating fake documents, and unfortunately, in most cases, they succeeded because the opposite parties did not use enough time and energy to study and understand and also deal with it.

Based on past experiences, the government of Albania should not become a prisoner of controversy, hooliganism and excesses of the MEK, and should not allow itself to be abused by an isolated terrorist cult and hated by the people of Iran and even the opponents of the Islamic Republic. It is necessary, now that there are enough experience and knowledge about the cultic tricks of the MEK, to implement the necessary measures and get the necessary preparations.

From the beginning of its establishment, the MEK has always used security issues as an excuse to advance its goals, both against its own members and against the host governments, in order to achieve its hegemonic intentions. This organization has always scared the other parties from security threats from Iran, and in this way, it has provided itself with an authority that if this authority is violated somewhere, then it will rise to confrontation and hostility.

The past of this organization is with me and others like me, which we would like to share with you to understand the performance of this organization better. I and those like me have spent many years of the best years of our lives with this organization and we know the labyrinth of its cultic behavior. Personally, after deep studies about mind control destructive cults and translating and authoring several books, I have mastered the depth of the hidden realities of this cult and its behavior and actions, and I would like to share these experiences to help benefit the families. I have studied and have been closely acquainted with the various internal angles of this organization.

Albania is now beyond Iraq and France in the past, in a historical situation, and the independence of this country’s action is in question, because the MEK based on past experiences in its propaganda for organizational use and victimization and getting rid of the burden of accusations, will try to tarnish the face of the Albanian government and introduce it against human rights and affiliated with the Iranian regime. Immediately, the MEK used expressions such as “Albanian Fascist Police”. From now on, the dagger of the MEK will always be at the side of the Albanian government and will create all kinds of obstacles for Albania’s membership in the European Union, and in this regard, it will question the independence of the Albanian government and will constantly accuse it of violating human rights.

The families and former members of this organization in the Nejat Society are worried about the condition of their loved ones who are trapped in the new slavery conditions in this organization and have nowhere to go. We are also worried that the responsible and intelligent actions of the Albanian government against an organization that threatens the sovereignty and interests of national security will cause this organization to introduce your government as anti-human rights and affiliated, the same thing it did in Iraq and France. The families expect that after the revelation of the cultic nature of the MEK in the events of June 20, 2023, measures will be taken to enable them to communicate with their loved ones after decades and to be able to travel to Albania.

It is quite clear to us that these measures have already started with full intensity, and therefore the Albanian government should not lose the opportunity and initiative and should use all its available capacities, especially in the European Union, to deal with these tricks of the Rajavi Cult.

In repeated letters and messages, I have notified the Albanian statesmen and tried to express the performance of this organization to the extent that it abuses the hospitality of the host country. All the descriptions that I had presented about this organization were observed and proved in action on June 20, 2023. My advice is that you should be aware of the poisonous bites of this spotted snake and don’t leave the scene due to lack of understanding of the cultic nature and performance of the MEK. This is not the end of the case, but the case has just begun, and the Albanian government must take the next steps more firmly and intelligently to reach the final goal.

Now you can clearly see that within a few hours after the incident, statements were published by the MEK propaganda media, which were completely false. This flow will not stop and the MEK will intensify its war with the Albanian government day by day. My advice is to try to keep the problem under control and do not underestimate the cultic tricks of the MEK and be alert and use all your capacities.

What the Albanian government wants is the implementation of the law and the exercise of national sovereignty. However, Masoud Rajavi considers himself beyond any law and has repeatedly emphasized that he needs the blood of his followers for the survival of his organization. This organization has brainwashed people who easily expose themselves to physical harm on the orders of the leaders so as to appear oppressed and inject blood into the body of the organization, of which the self-immolations of 2003 in Europe are an example.

The rational behavior of the Albanian government against Rajavi’s terrorist cult gives satisfaction to the families and awakened human consciences, but this is only the beginning of the way and a serious test for the Albanian government, whether it will lead to the final goal, which is to open the doors of the Manëz camp, or withdraws and accepts the rule of another government in its country.

The families hope that their loved ones trapped in the MEK camp will find their way to the free world and be in touch with their families. Cult members are the first victims of it because they are under mind control and do not have will and power of their own and cannot act independently and need help from outside. They can achieve self-awareness and independence when they get out of the mental and physical domination of the organization, and this is possible only by the Albanian government and with the help of their families. Even years after the separation, these people are still in fear of the threats of the cult leaders, which are falsely implanted in their minds.

An organization with a cult mentality captures the soul and conscience of a person, and therefore any irrational behavior of a captive person in the cult will not be unlikely, even if it ends up at the cost of his own life and that of others. For this reason, most terrorist organizations have internal cultic relations. A cult member cannot be expected to behave like a mature rational person. This can be seen in the released videos of Tuesday’s events that we are not dealing with normal people. We are witnessing the uniform and illogical behavior of people who do not have rationality and independent will in a mass and organized manner. The formation of a human shield against the normal action of the police to prevent them from doing their duty is one example. This is the same dangerous phenomenon that scientists introduce it as the main threat of the third millennium.

My practical suggestion in Albania, to clarify the issues and remove the propaganda tactic of the MEK, is that the main leaders of the organization who are engaged in security and cyber measures, whose names I can provide, should be questioned and held accountable. Also, about 200 members of the organization, even in the high ranks, have problems and want to separate. Revealed documents, maps and information provided by former members will definitely help you in managing the problem. You will get many hidden facts by summoning key people.

In previous letters addressed to the Albanian statesmen, I mentioned many times that these people came to Albania from Iraq with fake names, because some of them committed crimes in Iran, or in Iraq in collaboration with Saddam Hussein’s regime, against the people of Iraq, especially the Kurds in the north, or even against their own members. Some were wanted by the Iraqi judicial authorities and had an arrest warrant. Among these people is Abdol-Vahab Farajinejad Jahormi, with the fake name of Ali Mostashari, who was killed in these cases, and of course, he has all these three categories of crimes in his record.

In the end, I would like to thank the esteemed government of the Republic of Albania on behalf of the bereaved and long-awaited families for the responsible action that is approved by the true defenders of human rights and social security, and once again announce the readiness of myself and other former members of the MEK to help and provide information in person or by communication in order to manage this case by the government of Albania.

Respects
Ebrahim Khodabandeh
CEO of Najat Society
June 21, 2023

Copy to:
Members of the Supreme National Security Council of Albania
Media

June 22, 2023 0 comments

Albania

MEK Member Caught in Drone Footage While Burning Sensitive Documents

State Police has published video from this Tuesday’s action in the MEK camp in Manez, Durrës. In the drone footage, MEK members are seen trying to burn some documents inside the camp when the police intervened.

Ministry of the Interior rejected the claims of MEK members, who stated that one person died as a result of the actions of the police.

“We are waiting for the forensic expertise. Not even one person was touched by the police. We will wait for the medical-legal expertise to come to conclusions, but I am convinced that we have taken due care, so as not to create incidents inside the camp”, said Çuçi.

According to Minister Cuci, MEK members have violated the agreement made years ago with Albania, in order for them to be sheltered in our country. They agreed in 2014 to stay in Albania only for humanitarian reasons and not to engage in domestic and foreign politics.

Moreover, Minister Cuci noted that Mujahideen people also broke the hospitality code as they attacked Albania Police, at a time when they had agreed to respect laws just like any other Albanian citizen.

to download the video file click here

In the end, he emphasized that Albania is not considering to put an end to the agreement for Mujahideen’s sheltering, but he asked them to reflect and ne ready to respect laws.

On the other hand, General Director of State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku told more details from police action. He declared that together with other police senior directors, they had a meeting with leaders of MEK Camp, informing them for the action to be held. They have agreed to the controls, but when police entered the Camp, there were objections by some of the members. Police still asked the leaders of the camp to calm down the protesters, but the leaders refused to do so. Then the police proceeded with the protocol, by using tear gas in order for protesters to retreat.

Furthermore, State Police Director underlined that 15 policemen were injured by Mujahideen’s actions, who fortunately have left hospital and they are in good condition.

Rrumbullaku explained that 96 computer devices were seized together with some documents, despite the fact that MEK members burnt some of the papers, taking advantage of the tensions created by other Iranian citizens who were opposing police actions.

In the end, he warned verification of security cameras, in order to identify those who committed violent actions against the Police, who may be escorted to Police Station and measures will be taken against them.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of Albanian police forces, including special forces, entered MEK Camp, following an order of the Special Court for controls. There are suspicions that some people there have committed cybersecurity activity within the camp, that’s why the Special Court ordered the controls as the Special Prosecution has launched an investigation.

On the other hand, Mujahideen claim that one of their members lost his life due to police unprovoked violence. However, the Prosecution has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the death of the citizen in question, as the Albanian authorities strongly oppose having committed violence or other illegal actions.

author details EDUART HALILI CURRENT EVENT

Albanian Daily News

June 21, 2023 0 comments

The cult of Rajavi

The journalist is threatened with death by the MEK

Criminalistics expert Ervin Karamuço has stated that yesterday in the MEK camp in Manez, Durres, a journalist was threatened with death.

Invited to “ABC e Mangjesi”, he revealed that at the morgue they told him that they should do the news as the mujahedin wanted.

Criminalistics expert Ervin Karamuço

“It has not been said at all, but yesterday a journalist was threatened with death. They told him that he is looking at this victim here, that the journalists went to the morgue. “Don’t think about doing the news differently because you will also become like this”, they told a journalist girl and I was surprised. I said: ‘How is that possible? What did you say? What is this threat that becomes? For what reason?’. That even these phone calls that are made are censorship and tell me, why are you talking, did you become a collaborator with Iran, did you sell us out? I am a professor who speaks up when I see 15 injured policemen, the moment my State Police are hit, I speak up. I have the messages here, but they are not of a threatening nature, that’s why I don’t publish them”, said the expert.

We remind you that inside the camp there was allegedly a raised base that was in violation of state regulations. The control was ordered by SPAK after there were suspicions that the residents inside the camp were intercepted by people infiltrated by Iran.

by SOT.COM.AL

June 21, 2023 0 comments

Albania

Is eventual eviction of the MEK members from Albania in perspective?

At approximately 0638 EST, reports began to emerge that Albanian National Police executed a Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) ordered raid on the primary Iranian Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) MEK camp in Durres, Albania. By 0651 EST, local Albanian media reported that at least one person had died and 36 had been wounded as protestors sought to repel the Albanian police from the camp. However, Albanian officials claimed by 1200 EST, that two civilians died in “un-related situations” to the raid, such as a sixty-seven year old man going into cardiac arrest. The actual numbers of those dead and injured remain unclear at this time.

MEK is an Iranian militant organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and installation of its own government. They accepted a combination of Marxism and Islamism as the base of their belief.

The Albania police takes control of the MEK Camp Ashraf 3

After the overthrow of the Shah, the MEK competed for power with the Revolutionaries and Khomeini that went on to establish the Islamic Republic of Iran, eventually being forced to flee the country in 1981 for France after coordinating several demonstrations and attacks again the Iranian government.

In 1986, Paris expelled MEK due to an increasingly violent series of attacks against Iranian embassies abroad. MEK relocated to Iraq’s Camp Ashraf near the border with Iran. MEK participated in several battles on the Iraqi side of the Iran-Iraq War, which significantly culled its popularity among Iranian moderates.

MEK operated in Iraq until the United States invasion in 2003 when their forces surrendered to the U.S. military. MEK would continue to operate with limited tolerance from the new Iraqi and US supported government until 2016 when their relocation to Albania was negotiated. Since then, MEK has maintained their camp of more than 5,000 personnel and their families in Albania, providing intelligence services to anti-Iranian forces.

This raid of the camp is novel and significant in that it follows a pattern that both France and Iraq pursued which ended in the eventual eviction of the fighters. It is not currently clear why the investigation and raid occurred, other than Albanian stated goals of keeping law and order. Some have speculated increased Iranian diplomatic pressure on Albania.

By: Tessaron – The Atlas News.co

June 21, 2023 0 comments

Albania

MEK Reaction unacceptable, intolerable, and reprehensible; says Interior Minister

Members of the Mujahedin-e Khalk protest the police action on June 20 in Tirana

Albanian state police seized dozens of computers on June 20 during a raid of a camp near Tirana that has been home to about 3,000 members of the Mujahedin-e Khalk (MEK), a group of exiled opponents of the Iranian government.

Local media reported that the group is suspected of orchestrating cyberattacks against foreign institutions, but police declined to provide specifics on what the investigation was about.

The operation was carried out on the orders of the Albanian judiciary due to the violation of agreements the group made when they settled in Albania a decade ago, police said.

Representatives of the MEK said that one person died as a result of the use of tear gas by the police, but Albania’s interior minister and the police, who released a video recording of the operation, denied responsibility.

Albania’s Interior Minister Bledi Cuci

The reported death of an elderly person had nothing to do with the actions of the police, Interior Minister Bledi Cuci said.

“I guarantee you that no person was touched during the police operation,” Cuci said at a news conference, adding that the reaction of the MEK was unacceptable, intolerable, and reprehensible.

“They are in Albania according to an agreement that stipulates that they will not carry out political activities or protests, and they are sheltered only for humanitarian purposes,” Cuci said.

State Police Director-General Muhamet Rrumbullaku said 15 police officers and 21 members of the MEK were injured and several police cars were damaged.

He said MEK members began to resist when police found server rooms and computer equipment that they suspected were illegal. Police seized 96 computer units and about 50 laptops and tablets, he said, adding that there was an attempt to burn some documents during the operation.

The raid was part of an investigation by the Special Structure Against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK). None of the officials disclosed what the SPAK investigation is about.

“The prosecutor’s office has initiated several criminal cases, but I cannot tell you why the Iranians of the MEK are suspected,” Cuci said.

He also refused to say whether members of the MEK were in hiding in the camp after cyberattacks carried out in July, which led Albania to severe diplomatic relations with Iran.

Rrumbullaku said that all who used violence against the police have been identified and that there will be consequences for the leaders of the camp who did not cooperate.

Police said earlier they had launched a probe into the MEK’s allegations.
With reporting by AFP

June 21, 2023 0 comments

Albania

MEK has not respected the 2014 agreement, Albania Says

A man died in unclear circumstances when Albanian police raided the compound of the exiled Iranian oppositionist MEK group, saying that its members might have been involved in prohibited political activity.

MEK members protest at their compound near Durres after the police raid on Tuesday. Photo: LSA

One person died on Tuesday as police raided the compound of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (People’s Mujahedin of Iran), MEK in Mezez near Durres in Albania and clashed with some of the Iranian oppositionist group’s members.

Interior Minister Bledi Cuci told media that the police were “enforcing a court order” to seize devices and equipment inside the compound because the Special Prosecution had “reasonable doubts” that MEK members were involved in political activity, which is prohibited under the terms of the agreement allowing them to stay in Albania.

Cuci said that MEK members resisted the police operation but that officers were not responsible for the death of one of them.

“I guarantee you that the death of the person in the compound was not caused by the State Police,” she said.

The head of of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, denied allegations that officers had used violence against MEK members, saying that police had only used pepper spray against individuals who were not complying.

But the National Council of Resistance of Iran, of which MEK is a leading member, said in a statement that one man was killed in the raid and many people harmed by the police action.

“As a result of this criminal attack, a member of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (PMOI/MEK), Mr. Ali Mostashari, was killed and more than 100 people were injured due to police firing pepper spray. Many of them are in critical condition and some were transferred to Mother Teresa Hospital in Tirana,” the secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran said.

MEK’s compound after the police raid.

Around 3,000 members of the MEK, a long-exiled group that opposes the Iranian Islamic regime, moved to Albania between 2013 and 2016.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the reason for the police operation was that “MEK has not respected the 2014 agreement” allowing its members to reside in Albania.

It said that MEK had taken actions that contravened the commitments it made when it “settled in Albania for humanitarian purposes alone”.

“Unfortunately, this group has not adhered to these commitments, breaching the agreement,” the ministry added.

The 2014 agreement allowing the MEK to base itself in Albania has mostly been kept secret.

The MEK resettled in Albania from Iraq after coming under attack from pro-Iranian groups after the fall of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 and constructed its large compound in a rural area.

The group gained backing from some prominent anti-Tehran figures in the Trump administration as a potential future alternative to the Iranian regime and was even visited by former US Vice President Mike Pence last year.

Founded in 1965 as a left-leaning opposition to the former Shah of Iran’s regime, it turned against the Islamic Republic following the 1979 revolution.

The US listed it as a terrorist organisation in 1997 but removed it from the blacklist in 2012 after it renounced violence.
By Fjori Sinoruka – Balkaninsight

June 21, 2023 0 comments

The US State Departement says the Albania's Police all actions were conducted in accordance with applicable laws

USA

US Says Albania’s Raid On Iranian MEK Compound Legal

The US has copped out of condemning the Albanian police raid into Camp Ashraf, a township where members of exiled opposition group Mojahedin-e-Khalq reside.

“The Albanian State Police have assured us that all actions were conducted in accordance with applicable laws, including with regard to the protection of the rights and freedoms of all persons in Albania,” read a statement issued on Tuesday.

Having found itself in quite a precarious predicament after dozens of Iranian dissidents seeking safe haven in Albania were reportedly injured Tuesday and one allegedly died in the raid, the State Department said it has been “assured” the Albanian government did not violate any human rights.

The State Department, which usually does not keep silent about such actions, and especially not against a group known to be active against the Islamic Republic, not only did not condemn the unexpected raid, but also distanced itself from the dissident group, raising concerns about the group’s actions against its own members.

The US State Departement says the Albania’s Police all actions were conducted in accordance with applicable laws

Iranian dissidents clash with Albanian police during a raid on the Ashraf-3 and Ashraf-4 camps on June 20, 2023, in pursuit of suspects tied to cyberattacks.

“The State Department continues to have serious concerns about the MEK as an organization, including allegations of abuse committed against its own members,” noted the statement.

The State Department, however, pointed to the Albanian police accusations that the inhabitants of the camp were involved in cyberattacks against the Albanian government, adding, “We support the Government of Albania’s right to investigate any potential illegal activities within its territory.”

Emphasizing that Washington does not view the MEK as “a viable democratic opposition movement that is representative of the Iranian people,” the State Department said, “The US government does not provide support or training to the MEK, does not contribute funding to the organization, and does not maintain substantive contact beyond issues related to the MEK’s resettlement, which was completed in 2016.”

Earlier on Tuesday, MEK said about a thousand Albanian police officers raided the group’s exile center, Camp Ashraf, using tear gas and pepper spray. The group said that one of their members, identified as Ali Mostashari, was killed and more than a hundred others injured.

Despite initial denials, Albanian Interior Minister Bledi Cuci and the head of the national police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, said both police officers and Iranian dissidents were injured during the raid at the Ashraf-3 camp near Manze, a small hill-town 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) west of Albania’s capital. However, the authorities disputed that the raid caused the man’s death.

Alleging that the attack was instigated by the Iranian regime, the MEK claimed that the actions by the Albanian police are “reminiscent of the criminal attacks by forces of Nouri al-Maliki (former prime minister of Iraq) on the original Camp Ashraf in Iraq between 2009 and 2015.”

Camp Ashraf 3 compound in Durres, Albania, is MEK’s first home outside the Middle East established a few years after the 2013 massacre in the original Camp in Iraq in which 52 members died and seven went missing, leading to the relocation of the group.

Iran International

June 21, 2023 0 comments

Albania

Police raid MEK camp in Albania, seize computers

Albanian authorities have raided a camp for members of the exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq to seize 150 computer devices allegedly linked to prohibited political activities

TIRANA, Albania — Albanian authorities on Tuesday raided a camp for members of the exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq to seize 150 computer devices allegedly linked to prohibited political activities, and several people were injured.

Albanian Interior Minister Bledi Cuci and the head of the national police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, said both police officers and Iranian dissidents were injured during the raid at the Ashraf-3 camp near Manze, a small hill town 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) west of Albania’s capital. Representatives of the Mujahedeen group said one person was killed; Albanian authorities disputed that the raid caused the man’s death.

The Albania police takes control of the MEK Camp Ashraf 3

The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime’s office has opened investigations into suspected political activities by Mujahedeen members. Cuci and Rrumbullaku referred questions about the nature of the alleged violations to prosecutors, saying police were only carrying out a court order to seize evidence.

The agreement the government signed with the MEK when Albania agreed to shelter Mujahedeen members in 2013 states they are not supposed to engage in any political activity and must abide by the country’s laws.

Some 2,500 Iranian exiles who initially were housed in separate locations built the Ashraf-3 camp in 2019. It consists of 127 buildings in an area of 40 hectares (100 acres), which Rrumbullaku said is Albanian territory.

Some camp residents tried to block the police officers who moved in to seize the computer devices housed in 17 buildings, and their leaders did not cooperate, according to Rrumbullaku. Fifteen officers were injured, and 21 Ashraf-3 residents were taken to a hospital with injuries from the pepper spray the officers used to defend themselves.

Cuci, the interior minister, said he was “indignant and offended” by the reception police received.

In an email message to The Associated Press, Shahin Gobadi, the MEK’s spokesperson in Paris, said an Iranian man was killed and more than 100 camp residents injured “due to police firing pepper spray.” He identified the man who died as Ali Mostashari.

The statement from the Iranian opposition headquarters compared the Albanian police raid with those they saw in Iraq before coming to the Western Balkan country.

Cuci denied police actions resulted in the death of a man in his late 70s, and said authorities were awaiting the results of an autopsy.

“I guarantee that death was not caused from any action of the police forces,” he said at a news conference. “We paid all the necessary care not to create any incident with the residents within the camp.”

The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq began as a Marxist group opposed to the rule of Iran’s then-Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It supported the 1979 Islamic Revolution but soon had a falling out with Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and turned against his clerical government, carrying out a series of assassinations and bombings in the Islamic Republic.

MEK members later fled into Iraq and backed dictator Saddam Hussein during his eight-year war with Iran in the 1980s, leading many people in Iran to oppose the group. Although now largely based in Albania, the group claims to operate a network inside Iran.

MEK members in Albania have proudly told local journalists how they have hacked or penetrated communication systems of the Tehran government and Iranian institutions.

Ties between Iran and Albania have been tense since Albania gave MEK members a safe haven a decade ago.

Albania suffered a cyberattack last year that the government and multinational technology companies blamed on the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The attack, believed to be in retaliation for Albania sheltering the Iranian opposition in exile, led the government to suspend diplomatic relations with Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied Tehran was behind an attack on Albanian government websites and noted that Iran has suffered cyber-attacks from the MEK.

The United States, NATO and the European Union supported NATO member Albania in the dispute, with Washington vowing unspecified retaliation against Iran for what it called “a troubling precedent for cyberspace.”

By LLAZAR SEMINI – Associated Press

June 21, 2023 0 comments

Albania

Tensions in the MEK camp, 70 arrest warrants, the mujahedin claim to kill, the police deny it

Today (June 20), the State Police has carried out checks in the Mujahideen camp in Manze, Durrës.

It is learned that detailed checks are being carried out on electronic devices such as computers, phones, drones, etc.

The operation is led by the head of the state police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, while sources indicate that 70 arrest warrants have been issued.

Tensions are reported at the entrance of the camp, where members of the MEK are protesting the situation created inside the camp by the police controls, while they claim that one mujahedin has been left dead, while several others have been injured, but the police deny such a thing.

The latter is expected to appear in a press release a little later regarding the searches in this camp as well as the clash between law enforcement and the Blues.

12:10 – VIDEO/ Inside the hospital in the Mujahideen camp, several people are injured, the ambulance is present
This morning, numerous State Police forces, including the RENEA forces, raided the MEK camp in Manzë.

It is known that the police forces have exercised control in all premises and offices where activists of the Iranian opposition have taken shelter.

Tensions were reported at the entrance of the camp after there was resistance to the police forces.

The Mujahideen claim that the police killed one of you, but the police deny it.

So inside the premises of the hospital, which is located in the MEK camp, several injured people can be seen and the ambulance is also present.

Camp Ashraf 3

An official response from the State Police is expected.

11:55 – Police checks in Manzë, one of the residents of the camp speaks: They came without warning, there are no dangerous people
One of the mujahedin residents of the Ashraf 3 camp in Manza has spoken to the media and said that the police went without any warning, using tear gas.

While the claim that the police had information about a dangerous person inside the camp, the resident denied it.

“We mujahedin are not criminals, we are not terrorists. We are the opposition of the country. In the last demonstration the dictator has killed more than 800 Iranians. The police in hundreds of cars drove in without any notice. Why are you attacking our camp? What action have we taken? We are mujahedin, we are refugees. They used tear gas. Our brothers were sick. “Some are injured, one mujahedeen was killed,” said the resident.

“No warning about controls. We are refugees. They didn’t show us a permit or an order. There are no dangerous people in the camp. Today is the anniversary of the Iranian resistance. They attacked on this day”, he added.

70 MEK members arrested by the Albania Police

11:31- 70 arrest warrants are issued for the Mujahideen, MEK claims 1 killed, the police deny it
The State Police encountered resistance from residents inside the MEK camp, during the search following an order from the Supreme Court.

It is known that there are tensions at the entrance of the camp, where members of the MEK are protesting against the situation created inside the camp by the police controls, while they claim that one mujahedin has been left dead, while several others have been injured, but the police deny such a thing.

Ashraf press director Shahriar Kia told Tch: A resident of Ashraf was killed by the police attack. This move is only to appease the falling Iranian mullahs. This action is similar to the one on June 17 that took place in Paris, but this one is on the border of Albania. This is one of the blackest days in Albania. What I wrote to you is not the official position of the Ashraf authorities, but what the residents of Ashraf say.

The police are conducting a search operation in the MEK camp in Manzë following the order of the GJKKO.

In a reaction to the media, the Police confirmed the operation, while not giving details about the cause.

The police are expected to give a press release shortly after regarding the searches in this camp as well as the clash between law enforcement and the Blues.

09:46- The police raid the MEK camp in Manzë, has the government consulted with the Americans?
Today, the State Police carried out an extensive control in the MEK Mujahedin camp in Manza, Durrës, following a decision issued by the Court of Tirana.

The police announced in a later reaction that the control is being carried out at the request of SPAK and the order of the GJKKO, but did not say the reason for the controls, stressing that everything will be revealed in a later reaction, which is needed since it is a question for an important decision, which happens a few weeks before the annual Summit of the MEK mujahedin in Tirana, who have come to Albania at the request of the State Department.

“In implementation of the control orders issued by the Court, the State Police has taken measures for their implementation, with the control plan of the premises in the territory of the MEK camp, rigorously applying ethics and communication and respecting fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens and the community that lives in this camp. The Police control groups are continuing the controls in the territory of the MEK camp and in its interiors”, the police announced.

It is not yet known whether or not the Albanian state has consulted with the American embassy in Tirana about this intervention in the MEK camp as well as its final goals.

The reason for the intervention and the reasoning of the Albanian state seems to be the factor that will influence the reaction or not of the Americans regarding what is happening now in the MEK camp.

Pursuant to the decision of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime and the execution order of the Prosecution before this Court, for the control of all premises and offices where they reside for humanitarian purposes, the State Police, within the framework of an operational plan, has begun the control of all premises and offices in the MEK camp, in Manez, Durrës.

Pursuant to the control orders issued by the Court, the State Police has taken measures for their implementation, with the control plan of the premises in the territory of the MEK camp, rigorously applying ethics and communication and respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens and the community that lives in this camp.

The Police control groups are continuing the controls in the territory of the MEK camp and in its interior.

At the end of the checks, there will be a more detailed announcement.

09:31 – With blinders and special forces, the police in the MEK camp in Manzë after the order of GJKKO
The state police is conducting checks this Tuesday at the mujahedin camp in Manzë, Durrës.

The police are executing a search warrant issued by the Court of Tirana in the premises on the territory of the MEK camp in Manze, Durrës.

At the end of the checks, there will be a more detailed announcement.

Police Notification

Pursuant to the control orders issued by the Court, the State Police has taken measures for their implementation, with the control plan of the premises in the territory of the MEK camp, rigorously applying ethics and communication and respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of of all citizens and the community that lives in this camp.

The Police control groups are continuing the controls in the territory of the MEK camp and in its interior.

How did the Mujahideen take refuge in Albania?

The Mujahideen came under US protection after their armed intervention in Iraq in 2003 and their support for US military operations in the Middle East and the fight against terrorism.

After the US army took control of the entire territory, this group began to move from the camp established in Iraq. In 2013, the Albanian government agreed with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, that 270 mujahedin should arrive in Tirana from Iraq. The latter received all the necessary documentation and were treated with the status of political asylum seekers.

The rotation of power from the DP government to the SP did not change the agreement reached in 2013 for the acceptance of the mujahedin in Albania.

Prime Minister Edi Rama agreed with the American authorities that a number of around 3,000 Iranian mujahedin should be accommodated in Albania. With the arrival of this second contingent of the Iranian opposition, the “Ashraf” camp was also established in the Manza area on the outskirts of Tirana. This step of his, in the public reactions, Rama considered as a humanitarian and not a political decision.

Although there are no exact official data, the number of Mujahideen sheltering in the Manza camp is thought to be 3,500.

Both the DP and SP governments have provided very little information regarding the agreement with the USA and the exact number of mujahedin sheltered in Tirana.

But who are the Mujahideen?

In Iran, they are declared as a terrorist and unwanted group, while they have the support of the US and the West.

It was the year 1965 when this group was created and from their beginnings until the year 70 they were in opposition to the former leader of Iran Mohammad Reza Shah. After the overthrow of his regime and the triumph of the Islamic revolution, this organization again remained in the opposition, and was declared “terrorist” by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This caused them to be forced to leave their country, where a part emigrated to the West and a very large part took refuge in Iraq, where they set up the “Ashraf” camp.

In Iraq, they were involved in organizing terrorist and destabilizing actions against the Iranian regime, supported by the dictator Hussein. For this reason, they were designated as a terrorist organization by many Western countries, including the USA.

After the US conflict in Iraq and the entry of the US army into this country to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein, the Iranian Mujahideen sided with the US and NATO armies.

For this reason they were taken under protection by the American army

albeu.com – Translated by Nejat Society

June 20, 2023 0 comments

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