Mullahs make use of US State Department's list to terrorize Iranians

In the wake of the US State Department's inclusion of the Mojahedin in the list of "foreign terrorist groups", the mullahs' regime has launched a misinformation campaign, disseminating false rumors about closure of Mojahedin offices in the United States and Europe, or telling Iranians that participating in Mojahedin's meetings and concerts is illegal and considered a crime. In addition to the regime's newspapers in Iran, several Farsi language papers and radio and television programs in London and Los Angeles, financed by the mullahs' Intelligence Ministry, have also reprinted and broadcast these rumors.

A press spokesman for the Mojahedin in Washington described these claims as "absolutely false" and added: No restrictions have been imposed on the activities of the Mojahedin or the Iranian Resistance abroad. These activities are all within the limits of law and cannot be curtailed.

The Mojahedin spokesman added: The mullahs' regime has taken advantage of the State Department's list and launched a misinformation campaign among Iranians living in exile to terrorize and prevent them from cooperating with the Iranian Resistance. Contrary to the expectations of the mullahs and their agents, the State Department's action resulted in a wave of solidarity with the Iranian Resistance and the Mojahedin, especially among Iranians residing in the United States. Even those groups of Iranians who did not agree with all the policies and view points of the Mojahedin have also expressed support for the Iranian Resistance and offered cooperation.

The State Department's move against the Mojahedin has been viewed in all international circles as a green light to the mullahs' religious, terrorist dictatorship. On October 15, the French daily, Le Figaro wrote: By destroying all bridges with a movement which is working to overthrow the Iranian regime by force, the United States has taken a small step towards the recognition of the regime. For years, this was the pre-condition set by Tehran for any improvement of relations." On October 13, Reuters reported that the State Department's move has been seen as "the first positive sign of American goodwill" towards the new Iranian government, and added, "the U.S. move was important because it satisfied one of Tehran's basic demands.... They are very happy about it, because what they have been saying has been upheld by the State Department."

In their internal discussions, however, the regime's officials reiterate that "the effects of the State Department's measure on the Mojahedin will not be more than a short-lived propaganda blitz. Our problem with the Mojahedin is not in the United States, neither in Paris, nor in London, but their forces in Iran and their army in Iraq."

The mullahs' Supreme National Security Council has recently issued a report after several sessions which examined the "restive situation in the country." The report categorized the "opponents of the state" and emphasized that among the groups opposing the regime, the Mojahedin is the only group capable of effectively confronting the regime and posing a serious threat to its existence. The report adds: "Because of their activities in the past years, the Mojahedin do have a popular base. Despite our publicity that they do not have any support, they are able to instigate some movement in the discontented public.The Mojahedin is the movement which we cannot control and these are the same people which prevent the stability of our regime. We must do whatever we can to rid ourselves of this threat."

Press office of the People's Mojahedin of Iran - Washington, DC
October 20, 1997

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