Trip to D.C. rally Monday

Staten Island Advance
September 6, 2008

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Staten Islanders concerned about the human rights of an Iranian opposition group based in Iraq are invited to travel to a rally in Washington, D.C., Monday.

First United Christian Church in Tompkinsville is spearheading the effort to raise awareness of the situation at Camp Ashraf in Iraq, home to 3,500 members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

The residents of the camp are recognized as "protected persons" under the Geneva Convention. The camp's security is overseen by the U.S. led multinational force in Iraq.

Concerns have arisen over suggestions that oversight would be turned over to the Iranian-influenced Iraqi security forces. Supporters believe the transfer of oversight would be a death sentence to residents.

"These people need our help," said the Rev. Lloyd Land, assistant pastor of First United Christian Church in Tompkinsville. "Any time there's a humanitarian situation, we try to help out."

Cars will leave the church, located at 109 Victory Blvd., at 5 a.m. Monday. Call 718-981-4828 for information.