Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, has made a direct appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to prevent the killing of thousands of Iranian dissidents in Iraq.
The Anglican leader fears that lives of 3,400 lives are in danger because of the Iraqi government’s plans to close down Camp Ashraf, where opponents of the Iranian regime have sheltered since 1986. The Iraqi Government wants the dissidents to be relocated at an abandoned US military base but Iranian exiles are concerned this will become a prison and expose them to new dangers.
The Archbishop also fears the move could result in a bid to “annihilate these defenceless refugees”. Camp Ashraf is home to members of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, as well as relatives and supporters. The group is viewed with suspicion by many in Iraq because it was backed by former leader Saddam Hussein. However, it has won widespread international backing because of its commitment to a “secular, democratic and non-nuclear” Iran.
In a letter to the High Commissioner, Antonio Guterres, Dr Morgan writes: “The Iraqi government has twice attacked and massacred more than 50 civilians of Ashraf on April 8, 2012 and July 28, 2009, including eight women. The video clips showing these killings are indeed shocking.
“For the last three years, the residents of Ashraf have been under an inhumane siege including a medical siege. Many have died as a result of their injuries and lack of any medical help. Several cancer patients have lost their lives because of the medical ban and preventing them from visiting doctors and receiving medical treatment. It is the responsibility of the UN to protect these defenceless people and help them with their safe transfer to safe western countries.”
By David Williamson
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