"Hello! Let me introduce myself. I am Mahmeud, one of the Iranian political refugees that United Nations High Committee for the Refugees has already recognized as political refugees at 2006. But, unfortunately, since we entered Greece and applied for asylum from the state, about 2 years ago, we haven’t got any answer yet. That’s why we started hunger strike on 19 October. This is a peaceful protest to show them that we want our rights."
"We are political refugees from Iran, protected by the special status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We cannot return to Iran because we face the danger of imprisonment or even a sentence to death, nor can we go legally to another country.
Although we are re recognised as political refugees, the Greek state refuses to give us our legal rights and at the same time gets funds from the European Union without using this money to support the refugees.
We demand the international regulations to be implemented and the Greek state give us all the required papers (white card, travel documents).
We request the help and the support of individuals and organisations in Greece and all other european countries.
We go on a hunger strike on Monday 19 October, in Propilaia, Athens protesting peacefully until the satisfaction of our demands."
The Iranian political refugees are ex-members of P.M.O.I. They were recruited from countries near Iran, where they had found shelter, after being chased by Khomeini’s regime and were transported to a camp in Iraq for military training. They joined the organization believing that they would fight for political change and the freedom of their people. But, in the camp they encounter a very illiberal system, totally different with their personal beliefs, humiliations, constant brainwashing in order to exalt the organization’s leader and many times, torture and imprisonments. Now, they consider P.M.O.I. to be even worse than Khomeini himself.
In 2002, P.M.O.I. signed a secret agreement with U.S.A., which has invaded Iraq, according to which Americans had to keep for 5 years all the dissidents of the organization in a secret prison camp (T.I.P.F.), 50 kilometres outside Bagdad, and P.M.O.I. had to give information about Iran in return. In this prison, they suffered heavy torture again until they were set free in 2007, after the agreement expired. The United Nations’ High Committee for Refugees recognized them as political refugees in 2006 after interview via satellite, while they were still in prison.
Whoever wants to contact with the Iranian political refugees-hunger strikers and cannot meet them in Propylaia-Athens, can send them an e-mail at: iran7500@yahoo.com or call to (++30)6996604884 and 6959660595 and talk with Ali Reza. The communication is possible in english or their language (Farsi).
You can also send complaints to the Greek embassy in your country. The hunger strike still goes on, two refugees have been transfered to hospital, while the Greek state endlessly "investigate the situation", practically doing nothing. Please note that initially the Greek state refused their applications. The police cheated, having the refugees sign one application written in Greek (which none of the Iranians could speak/read), which was not an asylum application, but an application to RESIGN from the right to apply for asylum. Now, after having found a lawyer, they have reapplied. Please help these people, make known that one of the European States defies the United Nations High Committee for the Refugees; one of the European States violates Human Rights.
Related Link: http://iranianrefugeesfromtipf.blogspot.com/
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