15th Session on MKO Terrorist Crimes Held in Tehran

Summary:
The 15th trial session addressing crimes committed by members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group was held in Tehran at the 11th branch of the criminal court. The case involves 104 individuals and one legal entity, all being tried in absentia. Judge Dehqani noted that defendants had not engaged legal representation nor submitted defenses, emphasizing the principles of anti-terrorism conventions that mandate prosecution or extradition of terror suspects. He highlighted Iran as a major victim of terrorism and urged governments to address terrorism cases proactively. The MKO is responsible for numerous attacks against Iranians since 1979, with about 12,000 out of 17,000 victims attributed to them. While once listed as a terrorist organization by the EU, Canada, the US, and Japan, the MKO was removed from these lists in 2012. Judge Dehqani warned countries hosting terrorists against offering refuge, reinforcing the international legal obligations under anti-terrorism conventions.