On Friday, May 8, 2009, activists from the "Ashraf Protection Campaign" staged a rally in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. This is the 100th day that they have done so. They are concerned about preventing "a looming humanitarian crisis in Camp Ashraf," according to their press release. Camp Ashraf is located in the town of Khalis, in Iraq, "nearly 50 miles from the Iranian border". About 4000 men, women and children -- all political refugees from Iran -- currently reside in the camp. This an interview with Sahand Khosbaten, a PR representative for the group. For background on this matter, please go to: standforashraf.com and usccar.org
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To Ali1234
by رانيا (not verified) on Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:47 AM PDTI think Your mind has been brainwashed by the islamic regime in Iran, bro...
درود بر مجاهدان
VIVA MOJAHEDIN VIVA AHRAF (not verified)Fri May 22, 2009 09:03 PM PDT
درود بر مجاهدان دردژ تسخیر ناپذیر مقاومت و آزادی خلق قهرمان و در زنجیرایران
To crystal
by Ali1234 (not verified) on Tue May 19, 2009 02:37 AM PDTIf you believe that they Mojahedin have ANY support among Iranians, you have been brainwashed by the MKO propaganda machine. "Millions" of people supporting the mojahedin?!!!! Are you delusional?!!! People in Iran chanting Ashraf slogans?!!!!! Is that a joke?!!!!! How long have you been outside of Iran and probably isolated in a Mojahedin's camp?
Mojahedin have not died for "freedom" in Iran. Rather, they have committed every imaginable act of crime and treason against their own country and against innocent Iraqi civilans, to get their leaders Masood and Maryam Rajavi to power. They have also fooled and TRAPPED many young Iranians inside their camps and have used them as human sacrifice for the interest of their corrupted leadership.
Not only I do not respect this devilish terrorist CULT, but I hope their leaders get arrested soon and deported back to Iran in order to be tried and held accountable for all the crimes the have committed against their own country.
And you better WAKE UP and stop wasting your life in these cult. The Mojahedins are the most hated group in Iran, far more hated than the worst criminals in the Islamic Republic.
Ashraf
by crystal (not verified) on Mon May 18, 2009 10:23 PM PDTMojahedin are the only ones who are actually doing something to try to rid our country of this inhumane regime! and for one, as an Iranian, if my head is high and I take pride in being an Iranian its because there were those who have said no to this regime and have paid a grave price for it, so internationally we are not represented by ahmadinejad! 120000 people have died for believing in Mojahedin!! so don't tell me they have no base among Iranians. Today, in iran millions support them, just look at every demonstration taking place against the regime, news flash-- all the slogans are slogans from mojahedin!!!! where did ma zan o marde jangim bejang ta bejangim come from?!?!? Ashraf
Those in Ashraf have dedicated their lives to the freedom of our country, so before judging them based on propaganda which is spread against them by the regime judge yourself, are you willing to put your life at risk for the freedom of your country?!? well, if not, atleast respect those willing to do so.
BTW, many of those in Ashraf are people from our generation, a generation which hasn't seen anything but this brutal regime, they are people who were raised abroad and in some cases born abroad too, but they decided to give up perfect lives they had here to go fight for justice to prevail in Iran.
so, show some respect and as Iranians say zareii ensaf dashte bashid
long live Iran
long live our freedom fighters in Ashraf
To Mojahedin supporter
by Ali1234 (not verified) on Fri May 15, 2009 02:58 AM PDTThere is absolutely NO justification for your traitorous alliance with a mass murderer and beast like Saddam. Your organization was the Iranian branch of the Ba'th party. And you have served as Saddam henchmen and executioners for years. The blood of so many young Iranians, Kurds and Iraqi shias are on your hands.
Masood and Maryam Rajavi are NOT political leaders of a "democratic opposition" but gurus of a satanic CULT that controls its own members through intimidation, systematic brainwashing, torture and psychological manipulation.
Your cult has absolutely no place in Iran, except maybe in its jails. And your leaders must be tried for high treason and crime against humanity.
The only way you might be able to gather some people in a rally is by deceiving them into believing that they are there for some other cause. And usually, when people realize that your cult is behind an event, and they have been lied to, they leave the place as soon as possible.
Camp Ashraf
by Mojahedin supporter (not verified) on Thu May 14, 2009 12:59 PM PDTI think there are only few people that making hatefull comments toward Ashraf City and its residents.
My respond to them is (and this is my first time to comment)
1- Let Iranian people make the decision wethere they like Mojahedin or not. You can not make that decision. You may rather die under Tyrant Mullah's regime that is your choice and I hope sooner or later you have your wish.
But Iranian in general want freedom and democracy, that is why we have so many anti regime rallies from every part of our society in Iran on daily basis.
You better keep silent and let people to make their choices.
Mojahedin have said many times, that they are willing to participate in free election, monitored by United Nation in Iran. If Iranians don't vote for them then they will work even harder for the next election and they obey the law for whoever that is elected.
2- Only regime's supporters are hatemonger and write nasty or hatefull messages. The reason is very clear they are financially benefiting this regime and are against any democratic change in Iran since that would be an end to their wealth.
3- If you are ignorant enough that never bother to find out why Mojahedin went to Iraq in the first place and haven't done any researching then you will always will be ignorant and would not understand it even now. May be you are playing dummy again because you want to.
4- If Mojahedin didn't have any supporter inside of Iran then why their families, relatives and supporters go to Iraq/Camp Ashraf knowing that their lives will be in danger to either visit or join them.
Why so many people call in support of camp Ashraf from Iran.
5- If Mojahedin didn't have any supporter outside then how come they are the only group that is able to gather more than 70,000 people against the regime in Paris, France. That was in 2008, in 2007 the anti regime gathering in support of Mojahedin was 50,000 and this year we'll see how many will gather in June.
6- They are the only group capable of staging picketlines in support of Camp Ashraf for 100 days in at least 4 cities in Europe and US. That is not only the power they have my friend but also the love that its supporter has for this resistance, our leader both Masoud and Maryam Rajavi and for Camp Ashraf Residence. This is something that has not faded in past 30 years and now is stronger than ever with the new generation to know them. Just wait for more than 60% of young generation of Iran to know about them and we will see a mass of milions of people behind Mojahedin.
It is time for you to keep silent and think about your ending.
Deport them to Iran
by Anonymous89 (not verified) on Wed May 13, 2009 11:58 AM PDTThe fact that there is only one person multiple-posting with different IDs in support of the PMOI , shows their level of support among Iranians. And of course, their infinite honesty and integrity of this terrorist.
Deport the PMOI leaders to Iran to they will be tried for treason, terrorism and crime against humanity.
Viva PMOI
by Ayrian Pride (not verified) on Wed May 13, 2009 07:38 AM PDTPMOI is the pride of iranian nation and our history. The residents of ashraf are the only hope and force against the mullahs in Iran.
Long Live freedom
Long live Ashraf City
City of Persian/Iranian Pride and Glory
Support Camp Ashraf and PMOI
by Mojahed Supporter (not verified) on Wed May 13, 2009 06:17 AM PDTThe PMOI is the only option for a free and democratic Iran. They got a lot of support from Iranians all over the world, and also Iranians inside Iran. (We saw their live telephone calls on a live programm of the PMOI one week long, on the satelite of the Iranian opposition, (Simaye Azadi - Iranntv).
Support Camp Ashraf and PMOI!
reza kafi, the only
by Anonymous89 (not verified) on Tue May 12, 2009 09:43 PM PDTreza kafi, the only "history" that the PMOI has is that of treason in the war and alliance with a beast like Saddam, torture (including its own members), terrorism, corruption, treason regarding Iran's nuclear program, cult behavior, personality worship, brainwashing, manipulating and enslaving people to work for them.
It is by far the worst sect in Iran's contemporary history or maybe even entire history. It takes a lot of guts for PMOI people to even dare showing up in Iranian forums.
ashraf city in iraq
by reza kafi (not verified) on Tue May 12, 2009 09:01 PM PDTwe are living in 21st centuery and unfortunatley stil there are some people they dont know what they are talking.this is common sense. there is goverment with a history of kiling and torturing thousands of thousands of innocent people in iran and iraq.the other side is organization with the more than fourty years of history of sacrifice and working hard to free iranian people from barbarik mulahs.if any one can not undrestand who is for iranian people and who is against them and( to the side of dictator mullahs).they better open their eyes and feel pain to the reality.
To Hamid Broujerdi
by Ali1234 (not verified) on Tue May 12, 2009 07:06 PM PDTI would rather suffer to death under the Islamic Republic's dictatorship than to see this satanic cult of traitors, the PMOI, ever come to power in Iran.
You are DELUSIONAL if you believe for a second that Iranians have any feelings other than hate and disgust for the PMOI cult. When the members of the PMOI cult were serving their master Saddam Hussein by slaughtering their own fellow Iranians during the war and later became his henchmen in killing and torturing the Iraqi Kurds and Shias, they must have thought of this day, when they are isolated and helpless and no one is willing to even lift a finger to save them from the grip of their own karma.
Bravo to the demonstrators
by Hamid Broujerdi (not verified) on Tue May 12, 2009 04:52 PM PDTThe PMOI is the only alternative to The Iranian regime, many forces have tried to break them apart in Ashraf since their formation but they still remain strong and untouchable. Shame on you who turn your backs to a force devoted to toppling the blood thirsty Mullah's, being muslim is their choice and freedom, but they believe in a secular democracy and only desire is to be the tool for change. Theyre annual gatherings are 70,000 + Iranian's, how is it that they have no power when so many Iranians are willing to come together to show support.
The audacity
by capt_ayhab on Tue May 12, 2009 01:16 PM PDTThe audacity of bunch of traitors who joined the enemy in attacking the home land.
Who shall I sign the check for[NOT]. MKO had laid there bed ever since they joined Saddam in killing Iranians, now they need to sleep in it.
There is justice after all.
-YT
To Anonymous500
by Ali1234 (not verified) on Mon May 11, 2009 04:59 PM PDT"Genocide" is what those people at Camp Ashraf attempted to commit against their own fellow Iranians when they joined Saddam's army in the Iran-Iraq war.
Can't help but just laugh at this group
by Bavafa on Mon May 11, 2009 09:36 AM PDTThe most shameless bunch. Those who agree to a fair trail, should be offered one and those who still insist of being a traitor should be left to rot in hell.
Mehrdad
A Call for Genocide is a Prosecutable Crime!
by Anonymous500 (not verified) on Mon May 11, 2009 07:54 AM PDTMr. Haeri:
Only a genocidal Hezbollahi rooting for the God Father of International Terrorism, the IRI, would have the audacity of calling for the bombing and wholesale destruction of the Ashraf City in this shameful and criminal manner.
No person of honor and dignity would promote this type of genocidal policies and slogans. Period. This is not expression of an opinion as no duly convened court of law in Iran has ever charged the PMOI, let alone having had found "MKO young boys and girls..." guilty of anything; only the IRI Kangroo cours, presided by a bunch of lunatic-criminals, the likes of Khalkhali, would have the audacity of charging the PMOI with this long list of crimes that you are attributing to the PMOI so as to promote genocide against them.
This is a call to genocide against close to 4,000 unarmed people who are under the Protection of Geneva protocols with respect to non-combatants in a theatre of war, and these protocols are internationally recognized by all state that are members of the UN including the very criminal and terrorist IRI on whose behalf you are writing these nonsenses.
If you are writing under your ture name, watch out for this public incitment to crime and violence against the members of the PMOI because they are under the protective clauses of Geneva accords; what you are publically promoting is a prosecutable cirme, and if you live in civilized and democratic country such as the USA, you could face indictment for this type of call for violence.
The time for prompting genocide and violence against Asharf City is over.
These people are the most
by Ali1234 (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 11:12 PM PDTThese people are the most shameless liars in the entire world of politics. "Democratic opposition", "humanitarian crisis in camp Ashraf", "saving women and children"!!!! Give me a break.
Since when a satanic cult is called a democratic opposition group?! And the only "humanitarian crisis" in Camp Arshraf is the one they have created themselves by systematically torturing, brainwashing, and abusing their own members. Rajavi and other MKO leaders must be turned in to Iranian authorities and face trial for the treason and numerous crimes against humanity.
The difference is
by Iranivaliazad (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 10:30 PM PDTMKO doesn't have the power in Iran and Mullas do ... there is no other differences between these two so called moslem/terrorist groups. Oh yeah, MKO members could also suffer from "oghde" for the were instrumental to bring IRI into power and then Khomeneni refused to share power with king massoud.
Ms. Amiri you are far off.
by Iyzad (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 09:43 PM PDT"The issue before us is one of human rights and safeguarding the lives of 4,000 individuals, regardless of their ideology."
Amazing ways these people find to totally change the subject. This is not a human rights issue. There are 4000 military operatives in Iraq working to destabilize Iran. These are not civilians, they are trained combatant groups. Hence they do not qualify under the article 49 of Geneva conventions any way you argue. Notice, that individuals in Ashraf refuse to leave Iraq. I am sure you remember the massive petition campaign that they held back in 2006.
"Leaving Camp Ashraf in the custody of Iraqi government means that it is just a matter of time before they are turned over to IRI authorities or that their safety is compromised in Iraq."
So their safety matters? How about the safety of all those people that died due to PMOI during the war. Do you really think that Iranians have such short term memory? Leaders of PMOI gave infra-structural targets to Iraqi officers, they conducted covert operations, and blow up political targets in presence of CIVILIANS .PMOI are nothing but traitors. If you ask me, Islamic Republic is a corrupt and murderous regime. But PMOI remains to be far worse.
I personally refuse to accept that you (Ms. Amini) have an unbiased take on this issue.
Please do take into consideration that being a political opposition in favor of democracy is far different than going around and killing people based on patrimonial differences. Jeapordizing your nation's security by helping a foreign regime during an imposed war is far away from conducting democracy and fighting for human rights. The following, are facets of bandits , not freedom fighters.
WHAT????
by mani2651 (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 07:59 PM PDTThe funniest part was when he said "...DEMOCRATIC oposition group...".
This is how this kid describes a Marxist-Islamist cult whose members must ask thier "great leader's" permission to sleep with thier husbands or wives.
Nothing like such real democracy.
We don't believe you
by Hamed Haeri (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 06:54 PM PDTFrom the outset of revolution in 1979 it was obvious that MKO was on the wrong side of the issues with total disregrad for democracy and human life by terrorizing people and placing bombs on street corners to stifle the government and kill poor and innocents. We have witnessed the most criminals acts commited by MKO young girls and boys in schools and kindergartens. These criminals should never have the right to be protected by a corrupt and deceitful government like US. Camp Ashraf is a nest of spies working for US government and must be destroyed.
I never understand the different between IRI & Mojahedin????
by AnonymousPB (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 06:47 PM PDTThe both base on ISLAMIC Value, Women ware head scarf exact the same as way Islamic Republic does. The only different is Mujahidin ware Purple or red. Some one could tell what Mujahidin Agenda is For Iran? What value they are believe in??? And so on
I have only four words for you...
by Nader on Sun May 10, 2009 05:05 PM PDTRidiculous cult.
Genuine traitors!
Ms. Amiri the Iraqi
by Anonymous500 (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 12:59 PM PDTMs. Amiri the Iraqi Government has investigated the issue of whether the residents of Ashraf City would like to leave the City and go to other countries; the report given to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mr. Al Mailki is on record saying that except for four individuals who have decided to leave the Ashraf City the absolute majority have said that they have no desire to leave Ashraf. Period.
This investigation's offical results have been reported to the American military authorities in Iraq as well as to the Iraqi Parliament and the UN and the world press.
Asraf Residents have stated their desire and now it is for the Iraqi authorities to respect their wishes no matter what the ditractors of the PMOI says, here and elsewhere.
I wonder if Al Qaeda were
by Anonymous12345 (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 12:40 PM PDTI wonder if Al Qaeda were allowed to demonstrate in Tehran what people here would say? Well the MKO is equal to Al Qaeda in Iranian eyes(outside the 0.005% of whom support the MKO).
Mojahedin are Samurai glories
by futurist (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 12:36 PM PDTGreetings,
GH BUSH never wanted to shake hands with them. He got job for Prince Reza Pahlavi and is our national interest. These guys are dying slowly. BUSH and OBAMA have the same agenda. Their time is running out! Why did you start the Revolution in the 1st placed and murdered several U.S. civilans? Now, you are campaigning for democracy. Jack Straw, U.K. Prime Minister, called you, "Dirty Creatures!". You are done. Leave Iraq now!
Camp Ashraf
by Paymaneh Amiri on Sun May 10, 2009 11:59 AM PDTThis is not an ideological question. It is common in the comments section of any feature that has to do with MKO for people to come and evaluate Camp Ashraf residents based on their ideology, deeming them "worth keeping alive" or "worthless." By the same token I think both the reporter and the spokesperson were also going off on a tangent.
The issue before us is one of human rights and safeguarding the lives of 4,000 individuals, regardless of their ideology.
I believe residents of Camp Ashraf should be given safe passage to anywhere they wish to go. Their freedom as their basic human right has been violated for too long by their leaders. Their destiny should no longer be decided by anyone but themselves. Under the circumstances, any country they choose to go must provide them safe harbor, and they should be assisted to join communities and to establish a real life in the real world, something which has been denied for them for as long as they have lived in that camp.
Leaving Camp Ashraf in the custody of Iraqi government means that it is just a matter of time before they are turned over to IRI authorities or that their safety is compromised in Iraq.
this must be a joke
by lol (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 10:51 AM PDT"About 4000 men, women and children -- all political refugees from Iran -- currently reside in the camp."
Are you kidding me?
best question is, what on earth you are doing in Iraq. An answer everybody knows. There are no children in that camp. That's a military base aimed to conduct covert operations in Iran. I could care less what happens to people that fought on Saddam's side during the war. Dont get me wrong, I am not fond of the current regime, but you are nothing but betrayers yourself.
This is quite ironic
thugs running PR campaigns.
My suggestion to Sahand:
Democracy in Iran will not be established by Mujaheddin or any other thug group that has similar mentality.
mojahdin
by bikar (not verified) on Sun May 10, 2009 10:04 AM PDTyou guys are bunch of traders, who started this garbage revolution in Iran and then, you had no guts, and power to stand up to the mullahs, and put you tails between your legs and ran out of Iran, now you find another opportunity, because Iranian people are now sick and tired of this regime, and you opportunistic group want to put your two cents in to it. But be sure Iranian people are much smarter this time around and you guys have no place in the future government of Iran.