#7 This would appear to be the most effective resistance movement in Iran. TheyÂ’re Marxists who are secular on social issues (i.e. no restrictions on women, sexuality), but claim that IslamÂ’s edicts are a prescription for Marxism. (Much like Democrats claim that Christian moral precepts lead inexorably to Marxism). From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Mujahedin_of_Iran
Government sources claim that over 17,000 Iranians were killed by the MKO.
...
Following the 1979 revolution, the newly established theocratic government of Ayatollah Khomeini moved to squash dissent. Khomeini attacked the MEK as elteqati (eclectic), contaminated with Gharbzadegi (”the Western plague”), and as monafeqin (hypocrites) and kafer (unbelievers).[48] In February 1980 concentrated attacks by hezbollahi pro-Khomeini militia began on the meeting places, bookstores and newsstands of Mujahideen and other leftists[49] driving the Left underground in Iran. Hundreds of PMOI supporters and members were killed from 1979 to 1981, and some 3,000 were arrested.[50]
The MEK responded in turn, and on 28 June 1981, bombs were detonated at the headquarters of the since-dissolved Islamic Republic Party. Around 70 high-ranking officials, including Chief Justice Mohammad Beheshti (who was the second most powerful figure in the revolution after Ayatollah Khomeini at the time), cabinet members, and elected members of parliament, were killed. The Mujahedin never publicly confirmed or denied any responsibility for the deed, but stated the attack was `a natural and necessary reaction to the regime’s atrocities.` The bomber was identified as a Mujahedin operative by the name of Mohammad Reza Kolahi, who had secured a job in the building disguised as a sound engineer.[51] Khomeini accused them of culpability and, according to BBC journalist Baqer Moin, the Mujahedin were “generally perceived as the culprits” for it in Iran.[52] Two months later on August 30, another bomb was detonated killing the popularly elected President Rajai and Premier Mohammad Javad Bahonar. An active member of the Mujahedin, Massoud Kashmiri, was identified as the perpetrator, and according to reports came close to killing the entire government including Khomeini.[53] The reaction following both bombings was intense with many arrests and executions of Mujahedin and other leftist groups, but “assassinations of leading officials and active supporters of the regime by the Mujahedin were to continue for the next year or two.” |