TEHRAN – French police have reportedly imposed a travel ban on Maryam Rajavi, leader of the anti-Iran terrorist group Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), after criminal activity was discovered at her home.
On June 12, French authorities raided one of MKO's locations in Paris. During the investigation, authorities found evidence of money laundering, spy equipment, weapons, and the presence of unauthorized persons. As a result of these discoveries, Rajavi, 70, has been banned from leaving the country while the investigation continues.
The raid resulted in the detention of three MKO members and the seizure of illegal weapons. The French police action is part of a broader international effort to crack down on the activities of the MKO, a group with a long history of terrorist activities against Iranian civilians and government officials. Over the decades, the MKO's violent activities have resulted in the deaths of approximately 17,000 Iranians.
Iran's chief human rights officer has welcomed the latest crackdown, declaring that “terrorists will have no safe space.”Long considered a pariah due to its violent past, the MKO has faced increasing scrutiny and legal action around the world.
Historically, the MKO was backed by Saddam Hussein and supported the Iraqi dictator during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). It also played a key role in suppressing insurgencies in Iraq, cementing its ties with Saddam's regime. However, under Iraq's Nuri al-Maliki government, the group was expelled and subsequently relocated to Albania, which has hosted at least 3,000 MKO members since 2016.
The group's problems in Albania were exacerbated last year when police raided its compound for allegedly being involved in “terror and cyber attacks” against foreign institutions, leaving one MKO member dead and dozens injured. Following this, Albanian authorities banned Mariam Rajavi from re-entering the country. She has been living in Paris since then.
Ms Rajavi's current health condition is reportedly serious. She suffers from multiple ailments including rheumatism, colon cancer and neurological disorders. After a severe panic attack last week, her condition has worsened, casting further doubts on her ability to lead the group.
This latest development marks an important step in international efforts to curb the MKO's activities and hold its leaders accountable for their actions. With travel bans in place and investigations continuing, the MKO finds itself under increasing pressure and with fewer safe havens.
