Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, MEK, frequently addresses the European Parliament to advocate for “regime change” in Iran, allegedly calling for international support for the Iranian people’s struggle against the Iranian government, emphasizing human rights, women’s rights, and offering the so-called National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI) plan for “a democratic, secular republic”. However, the European Parliament’s stance on the MEK is not supportive.
While the MEK has been delisted as a terrorist organization by the European Union, individual members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have at times, engaged with the group and its leader, Maryam Rajavi. This engagement does not necessarily reflect an official endorsement by the entire Parliament.
A few MEPs who have expressed support for the MEK, view them as a viable opposition to the current Iranian government, while others have raised concerns about the group’s past and present human rights record and cult-like practices.
Active, well-funded MEK lobby
The reasons for individual MEPs meeting Maryam Rajavi despite reports and documents of human rights abuses inside her group, are varied. They can include a view on the MEK’s potential to bring about regime change in Iran, a desire to engage with all opposition groups regardless of their notorious background, and/ or a lack of awareness or acceptance of the criticisms leveled against the organization.
The MEK has actively lobbied European politicians and institutions, presenting itself as a democratic alternative to the Iranian government. This lobbying effort has included inviting MEPs to their events and to their headquarters in France and Albania. The MEK’s lobbying and public relation activities often involves compensating individuals for their participation in events, writing in media and advocacy.
Critics including former members and human rights organizations have consistently accused the MEK of sever human rights abuses, including psychological and physical torture, forced divorces and isolation from the outside world within their camps.
MEK’s extensive and well-funded lobbying efforts in the US government have been several times verified by independent media. A large number of newspapers and media outlets published investigated and documented reports and analysis indicating that various American politicians have received heavy payments and honoraria for speaking at the MEK events. One of the most comprehensive reports was published by the New York Times in 2011 and subsequently updated, detailing how the MEK, while still on the US State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations, paid prominent American figures substantial sums to speak at their conferences and rallies. These payments ranged from $10000 to $50000 or more per appearance. Rudy Giulliani, John Bolton, Newt Gingrich, Howard Dean and Tom Ridge are the key figures frequently cited in the reports.
Financial temptation of MEPs
The nature of the efforts in European Parliament has typically included expenses related to events, travel, luxurious flight and accommodation and public relations. Individuals like Struan Stevenson, the former Scottish MEP, is one of the prominent and consistent advocates of the MEK. He is Maryam Rajavi’s is constant companion in the European Parliament. Critics and some media outlets widely believe that he receives financial remuneration or other benefits for his support, given the professional nature and frequency of his engagements.
Through its various front organizations, the MEK has indeed spent significant amounts of money on lobbying activities in Europe and the United States. Actually, the group uses its considerable financial sources to influence politicians. Their activities are designed to raise the group’s profile, propagate its narrative, and garner political support.
The lavishness of the MEK-run events and the high fees paid to prominent speakers to speak on behalf of the group, indicate the financial power of the group’s lobbying apparatus. Opacity of the MEK’s financial resources and its political funding and lobbying also highlights the group’s invalidity in its financial interactions. The MEPs who welcome Maryam Rajavi in the halls of the parliament must be aware of that they put their reputation at risk by supporting a formerly-designated terrorist group with a violent, undemocratic history and human rights abuses within its camps in Iraq, France and Albania.
Mazda Parsi