Camp Ashraf, Iraq, is home to 3,400 Iranian dissidents.
In a letter signed by 101 doctors and medical experts, the Society of Physicians for a Free Iran condemned the January 7 attack on Ashraf by Iraqi forces at the behest of the Iranian regime, which left at least 176 residents injured, among them 91 women.
It said many of the injuries were caused as a result of rocks and other heavy objects being thrown at the residents. As a result, a number of those injured suffered from deep cuts, and eye, hand, legs, and jaw wounds.
In light of the fact that Iraqi forces have blocked their access to the necessary medical treatment, these injuries will lead to long-term symptoms, the letter said.
“We have confirmed the above facts through our contacts in Camp Ashraf. In addition to other cases, we examined the injuries caused to Ms. Fatemeh Noori’s eyes. She was refused medical treatment at Ashraf clinic by the Iraqi government. … Preventing access to medical services in the current circumstances only complicates the already dire medical situation in Ashraf.”
The doctors added in their letter, “As we wrote before, hundreds are suffering from chronic diseases in Ashraf.
For some, prevention of access by Iraqi officials has led to the worsening of their situation. Indeed, Mr. Mehdi Fathi recently lost his life due to complications of his untreated cancer.”
The letter to Mrs. Clinton warned about a humanitarian catastrophe in Ashraf, and added, “We also reiterate our commitment to help you in ensuring that the residents of Ashraf are treated humanely and will receive the optimal level of medical care that they deserve.”