American forces attack on Iranian refugees in the camp of TIPF in Iraq

Based on the news obtained from the office of the International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR), on Friday around 12:00 PM, American Forces at the TIPF camp located in Iraq attacked the group of refugees who was in sit-in for their legitimate requests. They injured few refugees including one of their representatives; Mr. Ali Afarinandeh who is an old dissident with strong political background from the Shah’s period and has been fighting against the Islamic government of Iran since the beginning. He has been struck with multiple punches and kicks to different part of the body and has been severely injured.

The refugees fought back against this violation of their rights and against these barbaric actions and were able to push back the American forces.

Based on the news that we have received, another representative named Javad Assadi has also been arrested along with Mr. Ali Afarinandeh and both are in prison in individual cells right now. Arrest of a third representative, Hamid was faced  with the strong protest of the refugees and he was not arrested at that time but it seems that he has been thrown into an individual cell this morning.

The attack of the American forces against refugees and political dissidents who have taken sanctuary and have the legitimate request of being transferred to a safe country is barbaric and inhuman. This act is another proof that TIPF camp is not a safe place for these refugees and that they should be transferred as soon as possible. This act will elicit the strongest reaction from the opposition and from all human rights activists.

The United States should be notified that we will not let its military forces continue their oppressive practices against people of Iraq and Afghanistan. They should know that they can not get away with murder, torture, rape and disrespect to the people and continue these criminal acts in TIPF camp. These prisoners have been granted refugee status by the UN and are not war captives. The UNHCR should take responsibility of its refugees and move them to a safe third country as soon as possible, before other war crimes happen in this camp. We don’t want to witness another Abu-Ghareib.  

Hambastegi – International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR)

Nov. 25, 2006