In ancient history, nations under oppression or foreign aggression have seen their citizens stripped of rights and freedoms. Yet, within these dark times, a few brave souls stand defiant, sacrificing their lives and well-being to become symbols of national pride.

This resistance is universal, demanding sacrifices from men, women, and children of all backgrounds. In the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, a faction hijacked the revolution’s ideals, presenting itself as a spiritual government. This clerical regime manipulated religious beliefs to suppress millions, employing patriotism to justify a devastating war with a neighboring country. The conflict resulted in hundreds of thousands of Iranian deaths, including children used as cannon fodder. The regime’s brutality knew no bounds, torturing and killing opponents regardless of age or gender. Women faced violence and legal discrimination.

Today, over 40 years later, the Iranian regime continues its oppression, launching a psychological warfare campaign using journalists and covert agents. Recently, it accused the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) of enlisting underage individuals 30 years ago. These baseless allegations reveal the regime’s deceit and desperation as it faces unprecedented domestic unrest and views the PMOI as a significant threat.

A book by the Alliance for Public Awareness (APA) explores this psychological warfare, focusing on the regime’s “child soldier” claims. The book highlights how the regime distorts facts to malign the PMOI and the broader Iranian Resistance. A notable instance of this disinformation campaign involved the transfer of children of PMOI members during the First Persian Gulf War in 1990. The regime twisted this effort to protect children from war bombings into a propaganda tool against the PMOI.

Since its inception in February 1979, the regime has relentlessly demonized the PMOI and the Iranian Resistance, adapting its tactics over the years. Despite evolving strategies, the core message remains: portray the PMOI as a greater threat than the regime itself to dissuade Iranians from supporting regime change and convince the international community that no viable alternative exists.

The formation of Resistance Units within Iran and the significant involvement of youth in uprisings have particularly unnerved the regime, prompting further fabrications about the PMOI.

Recent developments, including the relocation of the PMOI from Iraq to Europe and successive nationwide uprisings since 2017, have compelled the regime to intensify its disinformation campaign. In 2020, Luisa Hommerich, a journalist with alleged ties to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), contributed to a German publication, Die Zeit, with an article maligning the PMOI. Concurrently, a film project and books about Camp Ashraf children were launched, aiming to discredit the PMOI.

The regime’s hypocritical concern for the PMOI children contrasts starkly with its human rights abuses against children. Hundreds of teenagers were killed by Revolutionary Guards during the 2022 uprising. During the Iran-Iraq war, approximately one million children were used as minesweepers, leading to countless deaths. The regime’s ongoing repression forces many children into labor, highlighting its disregard for their well-being.

The APA’s book aims to counteract the regime’s propaganda by presenting factual accounts, revealing the regime’s actions and intentions, and showcasing the resilience of the PMOI and their families. Through detailed examination and evidence, it seeks to inform the public about the regime’s disinformation tactics and the Iranian Resistance’s enduring fight for freedom and justice.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu