NCRI – The forced displacement of 36 Iranian hostages to an unknown location in Iraq has triggered widespread public condemnation in Iraq. The 36 Iranian refugees were taken hostage during a deadly raid in July by Iraqi forces against Camp Ashraf, where 3,400 unarmed civilians, members of the main opposition, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), reside.
Despite three court orders and a public call by Iraq’s Chief Prosecutor for their release, Iraqi government forces refuse to free the hostages and on Wednesday forcefully relocated them to an undisclosed location, drawing widespread criticism from Iraqis who describe the measure as shameful.
130 political parties, associations, tribal leaders and political, cultural and social figures in Iraq have issued statements and sent letters to various relevant international officials and organizations to censure the action.
The Iraqis assert that the relocation constitutes a war crime and a blatant violation of human rights. They demanded the immediate release of the 36 hostages and their return to Camp Ashraf.
The statements also warn about the possibility of a human tragedy with regards to Ashraf residents.
Camp Ashraf was attacked on July 28 and 29 by Iraqi forces at the behest of the Iranian regime. 11 residents were killed and 500 were wounded in the course of the bloody raid.
