Mrs. Mitterande and Mrs. Stango comment on Ashraf crisis

Mrs. Daniel Mitterrand, prominent Human Right defender and former member of French Resistance defends the Right of Ashraf residents to an International inquiry regarding the "Crimes of War" and "Crime Against Humanity" perpetrated by Iraqi forces specially in view of Maliki responsibility towards well being of the 36 Ashraf hostages still held after recent Judgment of a local Judge for their release. (FRENCH interview with Farsi subtitles)

Prominent international human rights organizations on September 15 in Geneva, Mr. Antonio Stango of the human rights group Helsinki Watch in Italy said: The residents of Ashraf are members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). They are ready to dedicate their lives for Iran’s freedom, but as you know, they have given up their weapons and in accordance with international laws and conventions they require protection.(English interview with Farsi subtitles)

Stango, who in September 2008 visited Camp Ashraf located 60 miles north of Baghdad near the Iranian border, added: In our trip to Ashraf, we spoke with the residents and reached the conclusion that we must be in Ashraf as an international monitor especially in view of the fact that the Iranian regime is exerting constant pressure to expel Ashraf residents from Iraq. The Iranian regime wants to close down Ashraf because it views it as a bastion for Iran’s freedom.

He added that during the visit he witnessed democratic relationships in the city as well as extremely humanitarian and friendly relations between the camp residents and Iraqi people.

Stango stressed that the Iraqi government lacks the capability and competency to protect Ashraf residents, and said: During the unjustifiable and illegal attack against Ashraf, 11 people were murdered, hundreds were injured, and 36 were taken hostage. Taking hostage ‘protected persons’ under the Geneva Convention constitutes a crime against humanity. We, too, demand the immediate release of the 36 hostages. This issue is extremely urgent because they are on a hunger strike.