News

Iraqi PM: Mojahedin will never operate from Iraq

Iraqi PM, Noori Al Maliki in London: Mojahedin Khalq will never operate from Iraq

According to the London based Al Sharq Al Aawsat newspaper, concerning the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, Noori Almaliki the Iraqi prime minister said: we have been participating with the British and coalition forces during these times and the British forces have successfully brought to an end their military mission.

…

Concerning the Mojahedin Khalq presence in Iraq he said: Under no circumstances would their presence in Iraq be acceptable. Irrespective of some speculation that this may be due to pressure from Iranians or non Iranians, I should emphasise clearly that even if Iran asks us to keep them in Iraq, we will not allow this. This is a terrorist organisation present in various lists of terrorist entities across the globe which of course concerns many, including Iran, the United Nations and other countries.

From our point of view, this is an organisation which has committed many crimes against the people of Iraq, being Kurds, Shiites or Sunnis, hand-in-hand with the last regime (Saddam Hussein) and even right now they are meddling in the internal affairs of our country and there are allegations of their active involvement in the present insurgencies in Iraq. Therefore we cannot allow their presence in the new Iraq. According to the constitution of Iraq, the country will not be used as a base for any terrorist organisation and no one is allowed to use our soil to act against other countries.

Maliki added: I clearly emphasise to the members of this group that although we will not hand them over to Iran, they should not for a moment think that Iraq can be a base for them.

Translated by Iran Interlink

the original Interview(Arabic): http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?section=4&article=517372&issueno=11112

May 3, 2009 0 comments

Mujahedin Khalq; A proxy force

ACLU claims U.S. supported PMOI

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) — Charges filed against Iranian dissidents for supporting a terrorist group based in Iraq are complicated by alleged U.S. military cooperation with that group.

The U.S. Justice Department accepted guilty pleas Wednesday from six men and one woman for collecting funds for the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, a group listed by the State Department as a terrorist organization.

The American Civil Liberties Union in Southern California, which is representing some of the suspects, says it will challenge the claims on the grounds the PMOI poses no threat to U.S. national security. The ACLU also claims court documents show the U.S. government provided material support to the PMOI as well.

"It boggles the mind that these seven refugees would be charged with providing material support for a so-called terrorist organization, when the U.S. government has supported the same organization for years," said Ahilan Arulanantham with the ACLU.

There is widespread speculation the U.S. military had used the group to carry out attacks on Iran.

The PMOI received its U.S. listing in 1997 in part because of its violent opposition to the Iranian regime. Some observers suspect U.S. President Bill Clinton listed the group, however, as a favor to the moderate Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.

The PMOI surrendered to U.S. military forces in Iraq shortly after the invasion of 2003, and it claims to stand as a democratic opposition to the clerical regime in Iran. It has won several delisting campaigns in Europe and is in the process of similar efforts in U.S. courts.

The sentencing hearing for the California case is scheduled for August.

UPI, May 01, 2009

http://www.upi.com/Emerging_Threats/2009/05/01/ACLU-claims-US-supported-PMOI/UPI-73151241206555/

http://www.metimes.com/Security/2009/05/01/aclu_claims_us_supported_pmoi/dffb/

May 3, 2009 0 comments

Mujahedin Khalq Organization as a terrorist group

Seven plead guilty to raising funds for Terrorist MKO

Seven plead guilty to raising funds at LAX for terrorist organization

Members of a group that for the last few years has sought donations from travelers at LAX on behalf of what they said was an Iraqi-based charity pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

In a plea agreement that came just as a jury was being selected for trial, the seven defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and one count of actually providing material support to the group.

In court the defendants admitted that they knowingly raised funds to support the activities of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, or MEK, by collecting money from MEK supporters and soliciting money from unwitting donors at public locations, including the airport. Donors were told they were supporting a charity called the Committee for Human Rights, which was sometimes referred to as the Committee for Human Rights in Iran.

However, the Justice Department charged that CHR was simply a “front organization” to support MEK operations, including its terrorist activities.

The fundraising activities took place from late 1997 to February 2001, authorities said. The group had established nonprofit status and set up bank accounts from which itwired money to the MEK.

“These defendants raised money at locations like LAX on behalf of the MEK, which is a terrorist organization,” U.S. Atty. Thomas P. O’Brien said. “We cannot allow any terrorist organization to fundraise on our shores or to steal money from our own citizens so that they can finance their own terrorism operations. Terrorism anywhere poses a significant security risk to the United States.”

The seven defendants are: Roya Rahmani, 48, of Vienna, Va.; Alireza Mohammadmoradi, 38, of Los Angeles; Moustafa Ahmady, 54, of Los Angeles; Hossein Kalani Afshari, 52, of Mission Viejo; Hassan Rezaie, 54, of Los Angeles; Navid Taj, 58, of Santa Monica and Mohammad Omidvar, 54, of Corona.

The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Updated at 10 p.m.: Over the years, the MEK has carried out bombings, assassinations and cross-border attacks aimed at unseating Iran’s government, and was provided sanctuary safe harbor in Iraq by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

The group contends that it has since abandoned violence and is working to promote democratic transition. Ironically, U.S. troops in Iraq were once given the task of protecting an MEK base there.

Julie Cart

May 2, 2009 0 comments

USA

Terrorist MKO supporters confess in US

The MKO is responsible for numerous acts of violence against Iranian civilians and government officials as well as Iraqis.

Seven Iranian-Americans confess collecting money for anti-Iran terrorists loyal to the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO).

The MKO is blacklisted as a terrorist organization by many international entities and countries, including the US.

"With jury selection in the case underway, the seven defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and one count of actually providing material support to the group," AFP quoted a statement released by the Justice Department.

The seven face up to 20 years in jail over the charges, after having been indicted for the first time by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles in 2001.

They are to be sentenced on August 10. The court says they had helped the MKO by raising funds for its members at public places like the Los Angeles International Airport.

The group, which identifies itself as a Marxist-Islamist guerilla army, was founded in Iran in the 1960s but was exiled some twenty years later for performing acts of terrorism in the country.

The terrorists are especially notorious for taking sides with former dictator Saddam Hussein during the war Iraq imposed on Iran (1980-1988).

The MKO is responsible for numerous acts of violence against Iranian civilians and government officials as well as Iraqis.

Baghdad has vowed to move MKO members to their country Iran or to send them to a third country, as it holds the anti-Iran group responsible for destabilizing Iraq.

Earlier in March, Iraqi national security advisor, Muwafaq al-Rubaie, described MKO members as "foreign terrorists" and ordered them to leave their headquarters in Camp Ashraf, where they had been stationed for more than two decades.

"The residents should understand … that their days in Iraq are numbered and we are literally counting down," al-Rubaie told reporters.

May 2, 2009 0 comments

No evidence of ill-treatment against MKO returnees

UK Parliament: No evidence of ill-treatment against MKO returnees

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the government of Iraq to remove all restrictions on supporters of the UK Parliament: No evidence of ill-treatment against MKO returnees People’s Mujahedin of Iran based in Ashraf City following the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice. [257284]

Bill Rammell: On 26 January 2009, taking into account the judgment by the Court of First Instance on 4 December 2008, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted a list which did not include the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI). Mindful of this 4 December judgement annulling the July 2008 listing of the MEK/PMOI, the UK believes that EU member states must observe and respect the court’s judgment in the current review of the EU list of terrorist organisations.

Residents of the camp are free to leave at any time if they demonstrate they have the appropriate travel documentation and finance to leave the camp and take up residence either in Iran or in a third country. Voluntary repatriations to Iran have previously taken place and, we understand, without the returnees concerned being ill treated. Such reparations will continue for those who wish to do this. There is no evidence to suggest forced relocation of the residents in Iraq or elsewhere will take place.

The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities which make clear their commitment to the humane treatment and continued wellbeing of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights have also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents. We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those involved are observed and that camp residents continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to put in place mechanisms to protect supporters of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran based in Ashraf City. [257285]

Bill Rammell: I should clarify that it was the US, not the UK, who had responsibility for the security and administration of the camp. The US informed us of its plans to hand responsibility for the camp to the Iraqi authorities from 1 January 2009 and this has now taken place. Both the Iraqi authorities and the US had been involved in discussions with the UN High Commissioner

27 Feb 2009 : Column 1203W

for Refugees and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq on modalities. The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights also played a key role in overseeing the transition. In addition we understand that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) discusses, on a confidential basis, all of the issues surrounding the camp with the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI) and the Iraqi and US authorities. The ICRC follows developments at the camp closely and visits regularly.

The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities before the handover took place making clear their commitment to the humane treatment and continued wellbeing of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights have also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents.

We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those residents involved are observed and that they continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained. In this regard, we understand that as a result of their extensive contacts the US are satisfied that the Iraqi authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities with regard to Camp Ashraf and its residents.

On 26 January 2009, bearing in mind the judgment by the Court of First Instance on 4 December 2008, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted a list which did not include the MEK/PMOI organisation. The 4 December judgment annulled the July 2008 listing of the MEK/PMOI, the UK therefore believe that EU member states must observe and respect the court’s judgment in the current review of the EU list of terrorist organisations.

House of Commons

May 2, 2009 0 comments

The MEK Expulsion from Iraq

Iraq is adamant about expelling terrorists

Iraq blasts were engineered from abroad: security advisor

TEHRAN – A top Iraqi security official has said foreign hands were behind a Al-Rubaie also said his government is adamant about expelling the terrorist MKO group from the country. recent wave of terror attacks across the country which left at least 140 people dead, half of them Iranians.

“Recent blasts in Iraq were directed by foreign agents,” Iraqi national security advisor Muwafaq al-Rubaie said, according to Alforat TV.

“It is impossible that a terror group can continue its operation in a country unless it gets logistical and financial support from abroad,” the security official noted after a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

Iran has faulted the U.S. for the murder of pilgrims in Iraq, accusing it of failing to establish security in the country.

Al-Rubaie said he briefed the ayatollah about the national security issues. However, he said, “We believe that the general atmosphere is very good in the country.”

Al-Rubaie also said his government is adamant about expelling the terrorist MKO group from the country.

“It is impossible that we allow this group stays in Iraq because this issue contradicts our constitution.”

He added the MKO had “committed crimes against the Iraqi people.”

He said the only alternative facing the MKO is returning to Iran or going to a third country.

Al-Rubaie announced in March that Iraqi security forces have besieged Camp Ashraf housing members of Mojahedin Khalq Organization. The camp is home to 3,500 people.

On a visit to Iran on Jan. 23, Rubaie said Camp Ashraf would be ""part of history within two months"".

MKO immigrated to Iraq in the 1980s and fought alongside Iraqi forces against Iran during Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988).

The group has claimed responsibility for carrying out numerous terror attacks against Iranian nationals and officials, and has also been accused of assisting former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the slaughter of thousands of Iraqi civilians in the 1990s

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=193351

April 29, 2009 0 comments

Iraq

Maliki’s meeting with MKO ringleader denied

“An advisor to Iraq’s prime minister rejected Nouri Al-Maliki’s meeting with the ringleader of the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization, Masoud Rajavi”, as posted on a number of Persian websites in the past two days.

Speaking to IRNA in Baghdad Sunday, Yasin Majid expressed doubt whether Rajavi was in Iraq and added that the news is wrong and no meeting has taken place.

He also denied news and reports on Maliki’s visit to Tehran.

Another unnamed source in Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office also said that if Maliki was due to meet a person, it would be announced officially.

All his meetings with local and foreign figures are declared through official statements, it noted.

April 29, 2009 0 comments

Iraqi Authorities' stance on the MEK

US should stop supporting Terrorists

New York Friday prayer leader: US should stop supporting Terrorists

New York Friday prayer leader meets Secretary General of Habilian New York Friday prayer leader: US should stop supporting Terrorists

According to Habilian Association (terror victims’ family) database, in a meeting with Feisal Abdol Rauf, New York Friday prayer leader, Secretary General of Habilian Association disclosed new aspects of MKO crimes inside Iran as well as Iraq.

Mr. Abdol Rauf who is a prominent Islamic leader in the West is also an Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at St. Joseph’s College’s Brooklyn Campus in Brooklyn, New York and founder of the Cordoba Initiative which aims to connect the Muslim world with the West. He has also founded American Society for Muslim advancement.

In this meeting and along with enumerating MKO crimes in both Iran and Iraq, Seyyed Mohammad Javad Hshemi Nejad asked Abdol Rauf:”How is it that in a meeting with Feisal Abdol Rauf, New York Friday prayer leader, Secretary General of Habilian Association disclosed new aspects of MKO crimes inside Iran as well as Iraq. America hails change and establishing relationships with Iran while takes advantage of terrorist groups in order to cause insecurity and instability inside Iran? Isn’t it America’s double standard to designate a group as terrorist and support it at the same time?

Secretary General of Habilian Association referred to the last year report by distinguished American journalist and news writer Seymour Hersh which unveiled that the U.S Congress had agreed to a request from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran for which the President sought up to four hundred million dollars in order to covertly destabilize the Islamic Republic in Iran via applying terrorist groups like MKO, Jundollah and P.K.K and said: after the downfall of Saddam, it was supposed that terrorist groups be uprooted from Iraq;

but not only it didn’t happen but also America changed into major support fro terrorists in Iraq making obstacles on the way of their expulsion from Iraq.

In this meeting Feisal Abdol Rauf condemned, in his turn, terrorism in all shapes and demanded the expulsion of all terrorist groups from Iraq. He also hoped that he could enlighten American politicians and make those who have been deceived by terrorist groups not to support them anymore.

Note worthily New York Friday prayer leader also had a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Sunday.

April 29, 2009 0 comments

Mujahedin Khalq Organization as a terrorist group

US-Backed Terrorists Seeking to Undermine Iran-Iraq Ties

An Iraqi political analyst said on Sunday that US-affiliated groups and terrorists are seeking to stir tension in relations between Tehran and Baghdad. US-Backed Terrorists Seeking to Undermine Iran-Iraq Ties

"The recent explosions are aimed at stirring tension and portraying Iraq as an insecure country through operations by terrorists and US-affiliated agents," professor of Baghdad University Hazem Shemri told FNA, commenting on recent terrorist attacks on Iranian pilgrims in Iraq.

He underlined success of the Iraqi security forces in restoring securing in the country, and added, "The occupiers’ interest is in keeping Iraq in a security crisis and their support for the al-Qaeda agents and the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) is aimed at striking Iraq’s security and progress."

Twenty Iranian pilgrims were among at least 58 people killed when two women suicide bombers attacked a Shiite shrine in Baghdad on Friday. Some 80 Iranians were among the 125 people wounded.

Another 52 Iranian pilgrims were among at least 56 people killed in a suicide attack on a roadside restaurant in Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, the previous day.

Elsewhere, Shermi reminded Iran’s significant role in stability and security of the region, and added, "Concerns of the US and its allies about Iran’s role have caused them to resort to different ways to stir tension in Tehran-Baghdad relations."

Thai News Service, April 27, 2009

And:

MP says USA behind attacks on Iranian pilgrims in Iraq

Text of Majid Mo’afi’s report by Iranian newspaper Qods website on 26 April headlined "The deputy head of the Majlis National Security Committee in an interview with Quds: Americans must be held accountable for security tension in Iraq"

The final days of last week were bloody days for Iranian pilgrims at holy sites. In two separate terrorist attacks against Iranian pilgrims in [Iraq’s] Dialeh Province and at the holy sites of Imam Musa Kazem and Imam Javad (peace be upon them) a great number of our citizens were martyred and injured. There is various speculations about these attacks, however, the deputy head of the Majlis National Security Committee believes that these attacks were orchestrated by America and the Zionists in retaliation for their defeat in the Durban-2 summit [UN anti-racism conference] in Geneva.

In an interview with our correspondent Mohammad Esma’il Kowsari added: "These bombings are plots of America and the Zionists following Mr. [Iranian President Mahmud] Ahmadinezhad’s presence in Geneva and his speech about racism which had extensive coverage in the world media." He continued: "Mr. Ahmadinezhad’s revelations against Zionism and racism in the Durban-2 summit in Geneva were a blatant defeat for the Zionist officials, America and the countries which either did not take part in this summit or decided to leave the session during Mr Ahmadinezhad’s speech."

This MP from Tehran believes that Wahhabi elements, Al-Qa’idah elements and Monafeqin terrorists [Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, Iranian opposition group in Iraq] who receive their orders directly from America and the Zionists were behind these attacks. The MP maintains that when confronted with Iran’s solid logic and rationalization, America and the Zionists cannot do anything else but kill innocent people.

Kowsari referred to the presence of the American troops in Iraq and their claim to maintain security in this country and said: "Undoubtedly, Americans are to blame first for these events; although reportedly, Iraq’s security has been handed over to the Iraqi forces, in reality American forces have the last say with regard security in this country. Therefore American forces were responsible for these terrorist attacks." He believes that the occupiers of Iraq must leave this country as soon as possible so that Iraqis can look after security in this country. The deputy head of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee maintained that as American troops are not prepared to accept responsibility for the terrorist attacks and Iraqis do not have full responsibility over security in their country; the best thing that we can do to avoid such terrorist events is to stop sending Iranian pilgrims to this country until full security is established in Iraq.

BBC Monitoring Caucasus, April 27, 2009

April 29, 2009 0 comments

Some sensible answers to Mojahedin claims

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Written answers

Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Iraq: Mujahedin-e Khalq

David Drew (Stroud, Labour)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>holding answer 20 March 2009

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

Written answers

Monday, 20 April 2009

‘ font-size: 10pt”>House of Lords

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Iran

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Crossbench)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

Written answers

Tuesday, 21 April 2009

‘ font-size: 10pt”>House of Lords

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Iraq

Lord King of West Bromwich (Labour)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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)

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

Library of the House of Commons

In brief: Camp Ashraf and the Geneva Conventions

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Standard note: SN/IA/05022

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Last updated: 20 March 2009

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Author: Arabella Thorp

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Section: International Affairs and Defence Section

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

‘ font-size: 10pt”>What is Camp Ashraf ?

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Who is responsible for the inhabitants of Ashraf?

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>What are the main concerns?

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Do the Geneva Conventions apply?

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>

‘ font-size: 10pt”>What other international law is relevant?

‘ font-size: 10pt”>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.

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Further reading

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK), 5 March 2009 [available through the Parliamentary Intranet]

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Juan-Pedro Schaerer, Iraq: ICRC activities in behalf of Iranian nationals living in Ashraf, 3 December 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Zouhair Al Hassani, ‘International humanitarian law and its implementation in Iraq ’, International Review of the Red Cross Vol. 90 No. 869, March 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Knut Dörmann and Laurent Colassis, ‘International Humanitarian Law in the Iraq Conflict’, German Yearbook of International Law 47 (2004), 293–342

‘ font-size: 10pt”>International Committee of the Red Cross, Protected persons and property and international humanitarian law [viewed 20 March 2009]

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Amnesty International, Iraq: No Iranians in need of protection should be sent to Iran against their will, 28 August 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Amnesty International, Security agreement puts 16,000 Iraqi detainees at risk of torture, 28 November 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Massoud Khodabandeh (former member of PMOI), Camp Ashraf: a test of US-Iraqi relations, 7 April 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Iran Interlink, Nejat Society Asks UK to Support Iraqi Government Plans for Camp Ashraf Victims, 11 December 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>Hon. David Kilgour, J.D., ‘Catastrophe on horizon for Camp Ashraf refugees’, Middle East Times 8 October 2008

‘ font-size: 10pt”>House of Lords debate, Iraq: Ashraf City, HL Deb 2 March 2009 cc504-6

April 26, 2009 0 comments

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