Statement signed by 1800 Iraqi tribal sheikhs, consisting of 35 general sheikhs, from over 200 tribes in various provinces including Baghdad, Diyala, Salahaddin, Diwaniya, Mosul, Al-Emara, Babel, Al-Anbar, Wasset and Kirkuk

Call to recognize Liberty as a refugee camp
Prevent violation of PMOI’s right to property by Iraqi government

Iraqi tribal sheikhs announced: The Iraqi government’s policy against the PMOI is strongly rejected and condemned by the Iraqi people, tainting our people’s dignity and history

1800 Iraqi tribal sheikhs, consisting of 35 general sheikhs, from over 200 tribes in various provinces including Baghdad, Diyala, Salahaddin, Diwaniya, Mosul, Al-Emara, Babel, Al-Anbar, Wasset and Kirkuk signed a statement announcing:

Despite the removal of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the US terrorist list, which was unjustified from the very beginning, the Iraqi government continues to enforce pressures and place restrictions on Liberty residents. Unfortunately, the Iraqi government has also announced the PMOI delisting brings no change in Baghdad’s approach to this issue. This is strongly rejected and condemned by the Iraqi people and has no other goal but to increase inhumane pressures on the Ashraf and Liberty residents.
Referring to the Iraqi people’s humane and friendly relationship with Ashraf and Liberty residents who are considered their guests, the signatory sheikhs of this statement stress, “We clearly witnessed the various pressures and restrictions imposed by the Iraqi government – at the behest of Iran and the hideous pretext of the terrorist list – and we also witnessed how the Iraqi government took advantage of this designation, and by imposing a cruel and inhumane siege violated all of Ashraf-Liberty residents’ rights, continuing these inhumane methods to this very day.” This includes imposing a cruel plan and despicable conspiracy to plunder the residents’ property in Ashraf, which is in violation of international and Iraqi laws.
Finally, this statement being signed by 1,800 tribal sheikhs consisting of 35 general sheikhs, from over 200 tribes including Al Azza, Al Doleim, Al Obeid, Al Jabur, Al Tamim, Al Neda, Al Douri, Ban Zeid, Al Karwei, Al Jomeili, Al Mashayekhi, Al Zoheiri, Al Ta’ie, Al Issawi, Al Khaledi, Al Dawoudi, Al Hadidi, Al Bayati, Al Salehi, Al Dehlagi, Al Samide’i, Al Khafaji, Al Anbaki, Al Hamedani, Al Karbouli, Al Dewani, Al Saedi, Al Alwani, Al Kanani, Al Hamoudi, Al Waeli, Al Zameli, Al Awadi, Al Sharifi, Al Hasnawi, Al Kartani, Al Asadi, Al Sheikli, Al Shajari, Al Jurani, Al Bajelani, Al Da’ini, Al Julani, Al Hayali, Al Mayahi, Al Zarkani, Al Hamedi, Al Majma’i, Al Khazraji, Al Zangane, Al Jaf, Al Karbala’i, Al Naqshbandi, Al Alami, Al Darraji, Al Robei’i, Al Bahadeli, Al Bazuni, Al Massoudi, Al Hayati, Al Ka’bi, Al Atabi and Al Fertousi from various Iraqi provinces including Baghdad, Diyali, Salahadin, Diwaniya, Hela, Mosul, Al Emare, Babel, Al Anbar, Wasset and Kirkuk states:
We announce with a clear voice that the time has come to put an end to misusing the shameful terrorist labeling to crackdown and pressure Ashraf and Liberty residents. The following demands must be fulfilled:
1. Camp Liberty must be recognized as a refugee camp by the United Nations Refugee Agency to put an end to the limitations and pressures imposed on Liberty residents.
2. Ending Iraqi government’ prevention of Ashraf and Liberty residents selling their moveable and immovable properties, and the UN must guarantee this.
3. Freedom of movement for Liberty residents.
4. Allowing human rights organizations, parliaments and journalists to visit Liberty to become informed of the conditions inside the camp.

Council of Tribal Sheikhs – Baghdad and Southern Provinces