Protecting Freedom Fighters: Camp Liberty
Member
of Congress, representing the second district of the great state of Texas
An estimated 1,200 Iranian dissidents
remain in Camp Liberty in Iraq at the mercies of the pro-Iranian government in
Baghdad. These refugees, mainly members of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran
(otherwise known as the MEK) are unarmed, innocent people who have been forced
to flee their homes because of their opposition to the tyrannical theocratic
regime in Tehran. They have endured decades of exile outside of Iran marked by
continuous suffering and persecution.
Since 2013, seven rocket attacks have
targeted Camp Liberty, wounding hundreds and killing at least 139 residents.
All of these attacks are believed to have been carried out either by Shiite
militias in Iraq linked to the Iranian regime or by agents of the Iranian Quds
Force. No one has been held accountable for these attacks.
In fact, no one has even been arrested.
Despite the fact that the Iraqi government signed a Memorandum of Understanding
ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Camp Liberty, it appears
that the Iraqi government’s subservience to Iran takes precedence.
These dissidents are not safe in Iraq
and must be relocated as soon as possible to some other country. Thankfully,
1,800 residents have already been resettled outside of the country,
particularly in Albania, which took in the most recent batches of refugees
leaving Camp Liberty in early August. However, recent reports from MEK sources within Tehran now suggest
that the Quds Force is contemplating another major strike on Camp Liberty
before the remaining refugees are allowed to leave. At the same time, Quds Force-linked paramilitary
forces have been increasing their presence in Baghdad International Airport — a
troubling sign that could presage another strike on the camp that is located
not too far from the airport.
The Iranian government would like
extend the reign of terror it wages at home against any and all people who
speak out against it- including the dissidents in neighboring Iraq. How many
more people have to die? How many more times will unarmed refugees be attacked
by rockets? The Iraqi government must live up to its commitment and protect
these refugees until every last one of them finds his or her way to safety.
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