Introduction
In one of the darkest chapters of the history of terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), led by Massoud Rajavi, an incident revealed that the power of family bonds is stronger than any brainwashing tool. Families who came to the gates of Camp Ashraf to see their loved ones encountered a plot not aimed at emotional reunion, but rather at propaganda in order to recruit family members. However, these plans unexpectedly led to the weakening of the cult’s internal structure.
Behind Ashraf’s Closed Doors
During the years the MEK was located at Camp Ashraf , Iraq, hopeful families traveled to this heavily guarded and isolated compound seeking a short visit with their children, siblings, or spouses. Social and emotional pressure from these families forced the organization to react. Rajavi and other leaders temporarily allocated houses—formerly used by couples before the so-called “ideological divorce”—to families.
Note:
The ‘ideological divorce’ was a policy imposed by Massoud Rajavi that forced members to sever all emotional and familial ties, so that their emotional dependency would be entirely eliminated. Based on this policy all married members were coerced to divorce.
The Real Goal Behind Family Invitations
Though it appeared to be a gesture of goodwill, the real purpose was to deceive public opinion, recruit younger family members, and emotionally drain the families through strictly monitored visits. Rajavi also aimed to build a sociable portrait for his group attracting individuals among the visitors who would portray a supportive image of the group and promote the cult’s official narrative. These efforts, however, failed, as the emotional atmosphere and truth-seeking spirit of the families prevented the manipulated narrative from taking hold.
Cracks in the Cult: The Voices of Mothers
Rajavi’s plan failed. Not only did those who met their families consider escaping or leaving the group, but even other members—present in the meeting halls or who merely watched over the visiting parents—experienced deep emotional impact. These meetings, orchestrated for the first time with specific propaganda goals, unexpectedly led to emotional awakening and internal doubt. Even those who weren’t allowed to meet their families were affected by witnessing these emotional scenes or hearing families’ stories. The cult, despite its extensive psychological isolation efforts, could not sever the deep-rooted human connections.
Testimonies from Former Members
Mohammadreza Yazdanpanah:
“When I heard my mother crying at the camp gate, everything collapsed inside me. For years they told us that family was the enemy, but that day I realized who the real enemy was.”
Sara Nouri:
“The moment I saw my father, I froze. They didn’t let us speak, but that one look was enough to make my decision final.”
Hamid Davari:
“Even those who didn’t meet their families were shaken by the sound of mothers crying. That was the voice of truth, not propaganda.”
Conclusion
The MEK, under Massoud Rajavi’s leadership, attempted once again to mask the truth using emotional manipulation and staged propaganda. However, the presence of families at Camp Ashraf’s gates not only disrupted these plans, but also triggered widespread awakening and defections. The story of Ashraf proved once again that the strength of familial bonds surpasses any fabricated ideology or forced isolation.
Ali Mohammadi