On September 3, 2026, the MEK released footage of a motorcycle convoy, presenting it as a show of support by youth in Karaj.
The MEK’s deception in Karaj
But after the people appearing in footage were arrested, it became clear that the scene was not a political demonstration- it was commissioned performance.
A staged performance presented as “support for Karaj’s Youths”.
The MEK claimed that 15 youths had ridden through the streets of Karaj carrying the MEK emblem to demonstrate their support.
MEK-affiliated media presented the footage as an act of political support.
Fifteen people arrested-the story was exposed
Just one day later, all 15 people involved were arrested.
They reportedly admitted that they had been hired to perform a commissioned stunt connected to a 61st birthday celebration—and had been paid to participate.
They thought they were filming a birthday video. The participants said they knew nothing about a political purpose. The videographer had been recruited through Divar –an Iranian online classified platform—to film a birthday celebration. Most of other participants were workers at an auto-parts company.
The MEK emblem was added later
The participants were originally filmed and photographed holding a completely blank white banner.
The MEK emblem was then digitally added to the banner, and the altered images were circulated as evidence of a political demonstration.
Propaganda for the MEK, consequences for the unaware
The MEK presented a commissioned performance as “grassroots support”, placing uniformed participants at risk of arrest and persecution.
The incident is a clear example of manufactured propaganda – and of using other people to advance the MEK’s agenda.
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