Mujahedin-e Khalq: From Betrayal of Ideals to Public Hatred in Iran

 The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), initially formed as a revolutionary group with the goal of combating the Pahlavi regime and establishing social justice, gradually became one of the most despised organizations in contemporary Iranian history. Its multiple betrayals—including collaborating with foreign enemies, engaging in terrorist acts, and exhibiting cult-like behavior—have fostered a deep-seated hatred among the Iranian people. This article delves into the reasons behind this widespread disdain and the factors that have contributed to the MEK's transformation into a symbol of treachery.

During the Iran-Iraq War, the MEK openly sided with Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime. Not only did they use Iraqi territory to carry out military operations against Iran, but they also participated directly in actions such as "Operation Eternal Light," which was aimed at infiltrating Iran's borders and seizing territories. This operation, launched in 1988 with Iraqi military support, is seen as one of the most treacherous actions undertaken by the MEK. The objective was to advance into Iranian territory, a direct act of betrayal against the very nation they had once claimed to fight for. While the failure of this operation resulted in a military victory for Iran, it left an indelible scar on the Iranian people's collective memory.

Moreover, the MEK provided Iraq with crucial military and strategic intelligence, which led to increased bombings of Iranian cities and severe damage to civilian infrastructure. These actions not only threatened Iran's security but also signaled a betrayal of the MEK’s original revolutionary ideals, which had started as a fight against the Pahlavi regime.

Throughout the 1980s, the MEK was responsible for numerous terrorist attacks within Iran. One of the most notorious was the bombing of the Islamic Republic Party headquarters, which killed Ayatollah Beheshti and dozens of other senior officials. These attacks, often targeting political and military leaders, severely damaged the country's security and instilled widespread fear among the Iranian population. The bombings and other terror attacks not only claimed the lives of innocent Iranians but also became a constant reminder of the group’s gross human rights violations.

The MEK's terrorist operations extended beyond large-scale attacks, affecting ordinary citizens as well. Countless civilians were harmed in their assaults, which were designed to instill fear and disrupt public life. This violence, often indiscriminate, reinforced the perception of the MEK as a group of ruthless terrorists, further alienating them from the Iranian populace.

Another reason for the Iranian people's animosity toward the MEK is the group's cult-like behavior and its betrayal of its own members. The MEK subjected its members to extreme psychological pressure, forcing them to comply with the absolute authority of leaders Masoud and Maryam Rajavi. Members were subjected to strict control, forced to sever ties with their families, and prohibited from engaging in emotional connections. These practices created a repressive, inhuman environment within the organization.

Furthermore, internal dissent was ruthlessly suppressed. Those who criticized the organization’s leadership were subjected to torture, and many disappeared without a trace. The MEK showed little regard for the basic human rights of its members, which not only resulted in psychological trauma but also fueled widespread disillusionment within the group. This internal repression, combined with the group's violent tactics, contributed to the profound hatred of the MEK among the Iranian public.

The MEK's ties with foreign enemies, particularly Saddam Hussein’s regime and Western countries, have also played a significant role in generating public disdain. During the Iran-Iraq War, the MEK collaborated closely with Saddam Hussein, providing him with sensitive military information. After the war, the MEK shifted its focus to lobbying Western powers, attempting to gain financial and political support from some Western governments. This support, particularly in opposition to the Iranian government, is seen as a grave betrayal of Iran's national interests.

The MEK spent vast sums of money to secure Western backing, but this never benefited the Iranian people and instead weakened Iran’s national interests. This further reinforced the perception of the MEK as a disloyal, treacherous group in the eyes of ordinary Iranians.

All these factors—collaboration with foreign enemies, terrorist bombings, cult-like practices, and the betrayal of its own members—have contributed to the deep-seated hatred of the MEK among the Iranian people. Once regarded as a revolutionary group, the MEK is now viewed as a symbol of treachery, violence, and sectarianism. The Iranian public, particularly disillusioned by the group's false claims of being freedom fighters, regards them with deep mistrust and disdain.

The MEK has not only distanced itself from its original ideals, but it has also become one of the largest obstacles to achieving human rights and social justice in Iran. The public’s rejection of the MEK is a testament to the group’s lack of legitimacy in the eyes of the Iranian people and their place in contemporary Iranian history. Despite their attempts to reinvent themselves, the MEK remains an infamous group, tainted by its history of betrayal.

The MEK, initially formed as a group dedicated to fighting oppression and tyranny, has gradually strayed from its founding ideals and transformed into one of the greatest symbols of betrayal and violence in modern Iranian history. The group's collaboration with foreign enemies, its terrorist attacks, internal repression, and cult-like behavior have all contributed to the widespread hatred of the MEK among the Iranian people. These sentiments persist, and the MEK has never been able to regain its legitimacy among Iranians. The group’s dark legacy continues to haunt Iran’s history, ensuring its place as one of the most despised organizations in the country's modern history.