DOS Supports Police Action in Mujahideen Camp

The US Department of State (DOS) has supported the police action of Albania on June 20, when the State Police carried out checks in the Manza camp in Durrës, where around 3,000 members of the Iranian opposition are sheltered. 

The General Director of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, has confirmed that 15 police officers and 21 members of the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran (MEK) were injured during this action. 

"The State Police in Albania assured us that all actions were carried out in accordance with the laws in force, including the protection of the rights and freedoms of all persons in Albania. We support the right of the Government of Albania to investigate any possible illegal activity within its territory", said a spokesperson of the US Department of State. 

The DOS spokesman also added that the US does not consider the MEK a "sustainable democratic opposition movement representing the Iranian people," but has "serious concerns about the MEK as an organization, including allegations of abuse against its members".

Director Rrumbullaku said that when the inspection of all facilities inside the camp began, when illegality, server rooms and computer equipment were found, the resistance of MEK members began.

According to the announcement, the Police of Albania said that the controls were carried out by decision of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime and by order of the Special Structure against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK). 

Representatives of the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran (MEK), said that one person died as a result of the use of tear gas by the police. 

The Minister of the Interior of Albania, Bledi Çuçi, said that the death of a person within the MEK, on Tuesday, has nothing to do with the actions of the police. 

Asked if MEK Iranians are hiding after the cyber attacks that were carried out in July last year, which led to the breakdown of diplomatic relations with Tehran, Minister Cuçi refused to answer. 

In 2013, the Albanian authorities agreed - at the request of the United States - to accept about 3,000 members of the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran (MEK). 

However, the DOS spokesperson has emphasized that the US does not provide support or training for the MEK and does not contribute to the financing of this organization. 

Iran considers the members of this organization to be terrorists. Albania has severed diplomatic relations with Iran after accusing Iran of being behind a cyber attack that took place in July 2022. 

Meanwhile, a year ago, for security reasons from terrorist threats, the World Summit of Free Iran, which was to be held on July 23 and 24 at "Ashraf 3" in Manza, Durrës, was cancelled.