Iranian dissidents rally in D.C.

CNN
September 8, 2008

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Several hundred people loyal to a prominent Iranian opposition group rallied Monday in a park across from the White House, saying a death sentence for thousands of dissident Iranians would result if the United States relinquishes security control of their refugee camp in Iraq.

But the State Department considers their group a terrorist organization, and Iraq’s leadership has said it eventually plans to exile the 3,500 refugees. Nonetheless, organizers with the People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran (PMOI) say the United States is obligated under the Geneva accords to protect the camp as long as American forces are in Iraq.

“If the Iranian regime puts enough pressure on the Iraqi government, if protection is handed over, it would for sure incite a humanitarian disaster,” said Ana Sami, a rally spokeswoman.