Press release
17.02.2012
Friends of a free Iran (FOFI-Norway) with dozens of parliamentarians and human rights figures, expresses its deep concern about the transport and fate of 400 Ashraf residents in Camp Liberty. It regrets that none of its official letters addressed to Mr. Kobler in regarding the minimum security and the respect of human rights of these residents have been taken into consideration. This transfer is done after the request of Mrs. Rajavi to the residents which endure maximum sacrifices and understanding by the residents. Following the previous letters addressed to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kobler, United States, and EU, we reiterate again the minimum rights of these residents and demand the following:
1. Police should be kept out of the inner yard of the Liberty
2. Ashraf lawyers, parliamentarians, dignitaries and families of Ashraf residents should be allowed to visit the residents.
3. Right to freedom of movement and the free and direct access to medical services in Iraq must be guaranteed.
4. Rights to take the vehicles and movable properties without imposing any ban on Ashraf residents and their right to sell the immovable properties in Ashraf.
5. Security and welfare of all residents. No arrests should be ordered until they reach the third country.
6. Guarantee to prevent the Iraqi government or allow the Iranian regime’s agents to enter the camp or the presence of any agents in Liberty during interviews by UNHCR.
We can regrettably inform you that Mr. Kobler so far has paid all the prices of the his deal in the MOU document with the government of Iraq, solely from the pocket of the residents. An Iraqi government who so far killed more than 50 the Ashraf residents. Despite our repeated requests and 23 leading American generals and thousands of lawyers and parliamentarians to visit their clients and friends in Ashraf Camp and Liberty, which was fully consistent with international standards, Mr. Kobler did nothing about it.
We declare that from this point we no longer accept any more human rights violations by Iraqi government against the residents. We underline once again our worries and our warnings about the fate of the 400 people who are going to Camp liberty.
Thousands of family members, friends and supporters of Ashraf residents, lawyers, parliamentarians, political and social personalities, and Norwegian citizens are following this precarious human dossier and approaching the relevant UN and international organizations for a safe ending and an equitable solution for this case.
Lars Rise
Secretary General of Friends of a free Iran – Norway