The MEK leaders have never publicly offered a detailed explanation for why they enforced divorces among their members or why Massoud Rajavi “married” a large number of female members beyond ideological justifications. Actually, they just deny such an enforcement in their system. However, former members and analysts have provided interpretations for these actions. The analysis on the Massoud Rajavi’s immoral leadership over the MEK often links it to his so-called “ideological revolution”.
Ideological Revolution and Absolute Loyalty
The forced divorces and subsequent marriages to Massoud Rajavi are widely understood by former members and observers as a mechanism to enforce absolute loyalty and devotion to Rajavi himself, rather than to spouses or family.
According to the testimonies of former members, Rajavi argued that familial ties and romantic relationships were distractions that diverted members’ focus and loyalty away from the organization and its cause –and leaders. By eliminating these personal bonds, he aimed to create a monolithic, single-minded force entirely dedicated to his leadership and the group cause.
Elimination of Rival Loyalties
“Ideological revolution” was designed to dismantle any potential rival loyalties that could challenge Rajavi’s authority. Spouses, children, and personal relationships wear seen as potential sources of dissent or divided allegiances. Forcing divorces and separating families was a way to sever these ties and ensure that Rajavi was the sole object of devotion.
Control and Manipulation
Critics argue that these practices were a form of extreme psychological manipulation and control. By isolating members from their families and personal relationships, Rajavi could exert greater influence over their thoughts and actions. The “marriages” to Rajavi, as described by former members, further cemented this control, creating a direct, personal and often coercive bond between female members and the leader.
Symbolic and Actual Power Consolidation
The marriages to Massoud Rajavi are not conventional marriages but rather a symbolic and actual consolidation of power. Former members describe these as a form of sexual exploitation and a means to assert Rajavi’s ultimate authority over the female members, framing it as an “ideological union”.
This also served to elevate Rajavi to a quasi-divine status within the organization, where he was seen as the ultimate figure of devotion and the “husband” of all female members.
Suppression of Dissent
The strict ideological framework and the dismantling of personal relationships also served to suppress any potential dissent. Members who questioned these practices and expressed reluctance faced severe pressure, public self-criticism sessions, and potential ostracization.
In summary, while the MEK leadership maintains silence or denial regarding the specifies of these practices, external analysis and testimonies from former members consistently point to these actions as integral to Massoud Rajavi’s strategy for absolute control, loyalty, and the consolidation of his personal power within the organization.