Interview with Eduardo Tremado

Roshana
July 15, 2005

Gathering of Roshana Association before German Parliament, Federal State of NRW, Düsseldorf

Tremado: A gathering has been organized today by the human rights group of Roshana and we have gathered here before the parliament of Westfalen to ask why our young people are still in US Camps in Iraq.

- How many times have you done this?

T: We are continuing the gatherings we had over several days in Berlin. And we asked parliament to take action for those young people who were taken by the MKO to Iraq when they were very young and now have now been delivered to the US army. They are living in a difficult situation. They mostly had German passports but the MKO has not given their documents back and that's why they can't come to Europe."

- Do you believe such gatherings can be effective? Did parliamentarians give a clear answer?

T: Our gatherings during last year, whether by our association or others, have been successful and a number of people were freed. Although they went to Iran, which is not what we want, it was a good step and we had acceptable developments. What we want is that these people should be free to choose the place they like to live in.

- Why does the MKO send them to the US camp? The MKO sent all its cadres to Europe. It doesn't do the same with these people, why?

T: I was in the MKO for 12 years and I know that the MKO doesn't want its members to leave and go to Europe because it knows that they would disclose many things about the MKO when they reach here; and the MKO doesn't want this at all. So, the MKO sends these people to Iran to be silent there. Even if someone reveals something about the MKO inside Iran, no one would believe in him because they say that he is in Iran.

- Do you know any of them (those who are now waiting for freedom in the US camp)?

T: Most of us know each other and of course we know many of those in the camp. Recently, we were able to establish contact with them via phone and internet and we were informed about the inhumane treatment against them.

- Do you think they can see or hear this interview?

T: I hope so, and I'm sure it will be heard and watched because they're connected to the internet and they can see our programs. We received many emails from them and seeing their friends in a free situation boosts their morale. We can't be indifferent. We were there and we understand them. We should try our best to set them free and return them to normal life.

- Did any one do anything for you, when you were in Abu Ghriab prison?

T: My friends tried their best, but they were not influential.