French police impose travel ban on MKO ringleader amid criminal probe

TEHRAN – The French police have reportedly imposed a travel ban on Maryam Rajavi, the ringleader of the anti-Iran Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group, following the discovery of criminal activities at her residence.

On June 12, French authorities launched a raid on one of the MKO’s bases in Paris. During this operation, they uncovered evidence of money laundering, espionage equipment, weapons, and the presence of unauthorized individuals. As a result of these findings, the 70-year-old Rajavi was prohibited from leaving the country while the investigation continues.

The raid led to the detention of three MKO members and the seizure of illegal weapons. The French police’s actions are part of a broader international effort to clamp down on the activities of the MKO, a group with a long history of terrorist actions against Iranian civilians and government officials. Over the decades, MKO’s violent activities have resulted in the deaths of nearly 17,000 Iranians.

This recent crackdown has been welcomed by Iran’s top human rights official, who declared that “there will be no safe place for terrorists.” The MKO, long considered a pariah due to its violent past, has faced increasing scrutiny and legal challenges worldwide.

Historically, the MKO enjoyed the patronage of Saddam Hussein, supporting the Iraqi dictator during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). They also played a significant role in suppressing internal uprisings in Iraq, solidifying their relationship with Saddam’s regime. However, during Nouri al-Maliki’s administration in Iraq, the group was expelled and subsequently relocated to Albania, which has hosted at least 3,000 MKO members since 2016.

The group’s troubles in Albania escalated last year when police raided their camp due to their involvement in “terror and cyber attacks” against foreign institutions. This raid resulted in the death of one MKO member and injuries to dozens of others. Following this, Albanian authorities banned Maryam Rajavi from re-entering the country. Since then, she has been residing in Paris.

Rajavi’s current health condition is reported to be severe. She suffers from multiple ailments, including rheumatism, colorectal cancer, and a nervous disorder. Her condition worsened after a severe panic attack last week, casting further doubt on her ability to lead the group.

This latest development marks a significant step in the international effort to curb the MKO’s activities and holds its leadership accountable for their actions. With the travel ban in place and ongoing investigations, the MKO faces increasing pressure and diminishing safe havens.