www.paulmurphey.mep.eu, 9 Dec 2011 – Following the statements by the Iraqi government that they will close down the Ashraf camp, the inhabitants brace themselves for yet another bloody attack. This time, a new attack could mean a massacre and/or driving out of all residents. International solidarity is needed.
The camp has been faced with multiple murderous attacks by Iraqi armed forces. During one of these attacks that took place on 8 April, 36 inhabitants were killed and 346 were injured. Severe repression and horrendous violations of human rights have marked the daily life in the camp: a blockade has lead to a complete lack of medical supplies. Over 300 speakers blare abuse and propaganda around the clock. In spite of this and the imminent threat of another attack, the camp is still home to 3,400 people, mainly activists of the People’s Mujahidin of Iran (PMOI or MEK). The Iraqi government has stated that they only seek to restore control over the region and ‘relocate’ them somewhere in Iraq. Their actions on the other hand tell otherwise. Therefore the residents have no other choice but to stay as a ‘relocation’ surely would mean that they will be victimised and picked off one by one.
The position of imperialism in this matter is dubious, to say the least. They have used the camp’s inhabitants as a weapon against the Iranian regime and enjoyed their support in fighting Sadam Hussain during the war, but have refused to take any position against the new Iraqi government repressing the residents of the camp in the most horrible way. The recent shift in position by a layer of pro-imperialist politicians and members of administration, like R. James Woolsey the former head of the CIA, is based on the principal ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’. The recent heightened tensions with the Iranian regime make them ‘re-evaluate’ if they can use the PMOI/MEK in their dispute with Iran. I agree with them that the PMOI/MEK should be taken off the so-called terrorist list but it’s crystal clear that the well-being and democratic rights of the residents of Ashraf is the least of the concerns of imperialism. Unfortunately my view in this is not shared by the leadership of the PMOI/MEK who are mistakenly hoping that imperialism can deliver justice for the inhabitants of Camp Ashraf.
I demand that the assaults on the Ashraf camp stop immediately and that the deadline for removal of the camp is lifted. I call for all repressive measures against the inhabitants of camp Ashraf to cease. Ultimately it is a task on the international workers’ movement fight for an end to the oppression of the Ashraf activists.