By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – On December 21, Iraq’s National Security Adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, traveled to Camp Ashraf, in Diyala Province, and met with leaders of the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI).  According to a statement from Rubaie, he told PMOI that “the government has plans to close the camp and deport its inhabitants to their native country, or voluntarily to a third country, and that staying in Iraq was not an option.”

The PMOI was founded in 1965 with the aim of replacing first the shah and then the clerical regime in Iran.  In the 1980s, the group was expelled from Iran and found refuge in Camp Ashraf, in Iraq.  It was financed by Saddam Hussein to carry out attacks against the regime in Tehran.  However, following the US invasion in 2003, the group has been disarmed.  

Despite being disarmed, the group remains designated as a terrorist organization by the US and the EU, as well as the Iraqi government.  However, PMOI has been under U.S. military protection following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.  

The Iraqi government informed the group that it would soon assume responsibility for security at Camp Ashraf and that residents would be repatriated unless they find a third country willing to take them.  It is assumed that the statement means that once the UN mandate in Iraq expires, the Iraqi government will forcibly expel the PMOI members living in Camp Ashraf.  Currently, there are 3,500 residents at the camp.

PMOI have criticized the Iraqi government’s attempt to expel its members.  According to the PMOI, it members at Camp Ashraf are protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention.  In addition, PMOI claims that its members will be executed if they are forced to return to Iran. Additionally, PMOI claims that its members are protected as refugees.

A statement from the group’s political wing, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), condemned the Iraqi government decision, saying it was a “blatant violation” of international law.  The NCRI condemned the Iraqi government statements, saying the closure of Camp Ashraf “sets the stage for war crimes, crimes against humanity and is a blatant violation of international laws and conventions.”

On December 22, the AFP reported that the US has received assurances from Baghdad regarding the Iranian rebel group.  According to White House spokesman, Benjamin Chang, Iraqi government had promised Washington in writing that members of the PMOI at a camp north of Baghdad would be treated humanely.

“What the (Iraqi) government has said is that no one will be forcibly transferred to a country where they fear persecution on account of political or religious beliefs or (where) they might face torture,” Chang said.

The Iraqi government is under considerable pressure from the Iranian government to expel the group.  During the Iran-Iraq War, PMOI was believed to be involved in cross border raids into Iran.

For more information, please see:

Middle East Times – Iranian Reform Groups Urge Action in Iraq – 23 December 2008

AFP – US has Assurances from Iraq on Iranian Rebels: Officials – 22 December 2008

Middle East Times – Iranian Resistance Slams Iraqi Exile Order – 22 December 2008

NY Times – Iranian Resistance Group Criticizes Iraq’s Efforts to Expel It – 22 December 2008

Washington Post – Iraq Threatens to Expel Iranian Rebels – 22 December 2008

BBC – Iraq says Iran Exiles Must Leave – 21 December 2008