[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PROTECTING REFUGEES: CAMP LIBERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, an estimated 1,200 Iranian dissidents 
remain in Camp Liberty in Iraq at the mercies of the pro-Iranian 
government in Baghdad. These refugees, mainly members of the People's 
Mujahedin of Iran (otherwise known as the MEK) are unarmed, innocent 
people who have been forced to flee their homes because of their 
opposition to the tyrannical theocratic regime in Tehran. They have 
endured decades of exile outside of Iran marked by continuous suffering 
and persecution.
  Since 2013, seven rocket attacks have targeted Camp Liberty, wounding 
hundreds and killing at least 139 residents. All of these attacks are 
believed to have been carried out either by Shiite militias in Iraq 
linked to the Iranian regime or by agents of the Iranian Quds Force. No 
one has been held accountable for these attacks. In fact, no one has 
even been arrested. Despite the fact that the Iraqi government signed a 
Memorandum of Understanding ensuring the safety and security of the 
residents of Camp Liberty, it appears that the Iraqi government's 
subservience to Iran takes precedence.
  These dissidents are not safe in Iraq and must be relocated as soon 
as possible to some other country. Thankfully, 1,800 residents have 
already been resettled outside of the country, particularly in Albania, 
which took in the most recent batches of refugees leaving Camp Liberty 
in early August. However, recent reports from MEK sources within Tehran 
now suggest that the Quds Force is contemplating another major strike 
on Camp Liberty before the remaining refugees are allowed to leave. At 
the same time, Quds Force-linked paramilitary forces have been 
increasing their presence in Baghdad International Airport--a troubling 
sign that could presage another strike on the camp that is located not 
too far from the airport.
  The Iranian government would like to extend the reign of terror it 
wages at home against any and all people who speak out against it--
including the dissidents in neighboring Iraq. How many more people have 
to die? How many more times will unarmed refugees be attacked by 
rockets? The Iraqi government must live up to its commitment and 
protect these refugees until every last one of them finds his or her 
way to safety.
  And that's just the way it is.

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