February 8th marks a pivotal moment in the relentless pursuit of freedom by the Iranian people. On this day in 1982, Khomeini’s Revolutionary Guards launched a brutal assault, aiming to crush the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI).
The objective was clear to showcase power, demoralize supporters, and quash resistance both inside and outside prison walls. In an uneven confrontation, 20 freedom fighters faced thousands of heavily armed guards. Despite the odds, the champions of freedom stood their ground, creating an epic scene that fueled the movement’s strength. Among these valiant individuals, the women who participated left an indelible mark on Iran’s struggle for freedom and democracy, a legacy that thrives in the PMOI’s pioneering women today.
At the forefront of this historical episode was Ashraf Rajavi, born in 1951 in Zanjan. Her journey began with a degree in Physics from Tehran’s Sharif Industrial University, but her heart yearned for the welfare of the underprivileged. Choosing a life of activism over comfort, Ashraf traveled extensively, understanding the plight of the marginalized and working towards solutions.
Post-revolution, Ashraf emerged as the most experienced female member, nominated as the prominent PMOI woman in Tehran’s candidate list for the first parliamentary elections after the Shah’s fall.
Young prisoners paid tributes, chanting “Death to Khomeini, Long live Rajavi,” thwarting the intended demoralization. Ashraf Rajavi’s life and death became the enduring tradition of a generation of PMOI women leading the Iranian Resistance today. Her unwavering dedication serves as a timeless symbol of courage and resilience in the face of tyranny.
The Revolutionary Guards sought to break the spirit of the remaining prisoners by displaying the bodies of the fallen leaders, but their plan backfired.
On that fateful day, February 8, 1982, as the headquarters faced attack, Ashraf, with her infant son in tow, bravely defended her comrades. Placing her son in the bathroom for safety, she fought alongside her fellow freedom fighters, all of whom sacrificed their lives in the struggle.