The People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) finds itself at the epicenter of this crackdown. Recently, regime officials referred to PMOI/MEK as their most significant challenge, resulting in intensified pressure on political prisoners accused of supporting the organization.
Ali Moezzi, a 70-year-old political prisoner and PMOI supporter, became the latest victim of the regime’s crackdown. Arrested in October 2022 without a warrant and detained in Evin prison, Moezzi was presented before the criminal judge Abolghassem Salavati on August 6. Salavati, infamous as “the judge of executions”, listed several charges against Moezzi.
Notably, some charges, such as “insisting on support for the PMOI,” have been recycled from previous allegations. Moezzi, who has faced three arrests since the 1980s due to his association with the Iranian opposition, was sentenced to 75 months in prison.
Iran's regime has sentenced political prisoner Ali Moezzi to 75 months (6 years and 3 months) in prison.
Moezzi, 70, had been arrested in October 2022 and kept in Evin prison without a warrant.On August 6, he was forcibly brought before the criminal judge Abolghassem Salavati,… pic.twitter.com/wIqhqCP0QG
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 16, 2023
Worryingly, Moezzi’s deteriorating health, due to prostate cancer and severe knee arthritis, adds to concerns over his imprisonment. After his sentencing, Salavati mockingly remarked, “Congratulations! Go to Ward 209”, alluding to the infamous section of Evin prison where political detainees often face torture.
Simultaneously, the regime’s strategy appears to be generating fear among those considering aligning with PMOI. This includes disseminating fake news about PMOI members abroad and recently summoning 104 MEK members for prosecution. The regime, having executed tens of thousands of MEK supporters in its history, now audaciously asks Iranian Resistance members to present legal representation in court.
Yet, signs of the regime’s failing tactics are evident. The MEK Resistance Units, a group endorsing PMOI, persists in their operations. Over the past week, they undertook initiatives in various cities, expressing their steadfast resolve to continue protests and dethrone the regime.
From Tehran to Gorgan, Resistance Units members are demonstrating their defiance. Posters featuring Iranian Resistance leaders Massoud Rajavi and NCRI president-elect Maryam Rajavi have been displayed prominently in cities. Their messages, ranging from the call for revolt against oppressors to the liberation of the nation, underscore their determination.
Despite the regime’s bolstered surveillance, videos have surfaced of Resistance Units members holding posters of resistance leaders, signaling their undeterred spirit.
Cities from Shiraz to Yazd have witnessed protests, parades, and placard demonstrations, echoing the collective sentiment: a call for revolution and regime change.
In light of these events, it becomes evident that the Iranian regime’s repressive measures are not dampening the spirit of resistance but rather reinforcing the resolve of those determined to challenge the status quo.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
