The Terrorist Group of MEK: From Domestic Crimes to International Deception

The terrorist group MEK (Mujahedin-e Khalq), also known as the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), has been recognized as one of the most violent and treacherous anti-Iranian terrorist groups since its inception. Initially founded with slogans advocating justice and opposition to tyranny, the group transformed after the Islamic Revolution into an organization filled with violence, terror, and blatant human rights violations. PMOI was established in 1965 with the goal of combating the Pahlavi monarchy and establishing social justice. However, the group soon adopted an ideology blending Marxism and Islamism, a shift that caused internal disputes and further fueled its violent trajectory. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the group launched an armed opposition against the Islamic Republic, stopping at nothing in its attempts to overthrow the fledgling Iranian government.

Among the most heinous crimes committed by MEK are the assassinations of over 17,000 Iranians, including government officials, clerics, and ordinary citizens. These assassinations, aimed at instilling fear in society, are just one facet of the group’s criminal history. During the Iran-Iraq War, MEK collaborated with Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime, massacring 4,000 Iraqi Kurds, demonstrating their willingness to commit atrocities to achieve their goals. The group’s attack during Operation Forough Javidan "Eternal Light," supported by Saddam Hussein, involved an invasion of Iranian borders and numerous atrocities. Many victims of this operation were innocent civilians caught in their path. The operation ended in a catastrophic failure, with many MEK members killed during Iran’s counter-offensive, known as Operation Mersad.

A dark aspect of MEK is its inhumane treatment and extensive human rights violations against its own members. Numerous reports from former members who escaped the group reveal systematic torture, imprisonment, and even executions of those attempting to leave. The organization tolerates no dissent or dissatisfaction, maintaining absolute control over its members through violence and coercion. Women, in particular, have suffered severe abuse within MEK. Many former members testified that women were forced to separate from their spouses and children, subjected to extreme psychological and physical control under various pretexts by the group’s leadership. Reports from MEK camps in Iraq and Albania highlight inhumane living conditions, forced labor, and severe restrictions on members’ freedom to leave the camps. Psychological and physical torture are commonplace for those attempting to escape or defy orders.

In recent years, Albania has become the primary host for MEK members. Under pressure from Western countries, particularly the United States, Albania accepted this group. However, why has Albania remained silent about MEK’s human rights violations? One major reason is Albania’s economic and political dependence on Western powers. MEK has exploited this situation to influence Albania, reportedly bribing some Albanian officials to act in their favor.

This silence has led to growing insecurity among the Albanian public. The presence of MEK in Albania has not only caused social and economic problems but also tarnished Albania’s international reputation. Protests by Albanians against the group have been met with threats and suppression by individuals linked to MEK within the Albanian government.

One of MEK’s main tactics to gain Western support and legitimacy is hosting press conferences and spreading false information. For example, on December 9, the group held a conference in Berlin where they made claims about Iran’s nuclear activities. However, it was soon revealed that these claims were entirely fabricated and lacked any scientific or factual basis. How can a terrorist group with a history of atrocities, human rights abuses, and false information freely operate in a country like Germany, which prides itself on defending human rights and international law? Allowing such activities not only undermines Germany’s credibility in supporting human rights but also provides its adversaries an opportunity to criticize its double standards.

Germany, as a leading nation in the European Union, has a responsibility to prevent its territory from becoming a platform for terrorist activities and misinformation. Permitting MEK to host conferences disregards the rights of their victims and legitimizes their destructive actions, potentially compromising Germany’s internal security. Furthermore, the MEK uses German soil and hosts such conferences to attract attention and garner support from Western countries. However, their long history of disseminating false and fabricated information has repeatedly proven that their claims cannot be trusted. Conferences of this nature only serve to deepen mistrust within the international community and escalate tensions. Germany must reconsider its policies toward terrorist groups to prevent becoming a platform for dubious and destructive activities. Expelling this group from Albania and Germany, as well as preventing the organization of misleading conferences, would be an effective step toward safeguarding national security and upholding human values.

Why does MEK resort to such actions? The answer lies in their attempts to secure Western support. By providing fabricated information, they aim to present themselves as an exclusive and reliable source of intelligence unavailable elsewhere. However, their history of false claims has repeatedly proven them untrustworthy. This tactic is also used to pressure the Iranian government by escalating international tensions and gaining more Western backing. Yet, these methods have often backfired, creating more problems for MEK.

MEK, with its history of crimes, human rights abuses, and deceit, remains a significant threat to its hosts in Albania, France, and Germany. Albania’s silence on MEK’s violations, influenced by external pressures and economic interests, has only complicated the issue. Expelling MEK from Albania and holding them accountable for their crimes on an international level could be a vital step toward justice and human rights. Ultimately, MEK is a grave threat not only to its members but also to the world. A firm stance against them is necessary. Raising public awareness about their crimes and supporting defectors could help diminish the group’s influence and further expose their inhumane actions.