French Officials Investigating Possible Terrorist Links of Ten Exiled Iranians - 2003-06-22

French officials say they are investigating the possible terrorist connections of ten exiled Iranians. These ten are part of a larger group of seventeen who were detained during a crackdown on an Iranian opposition group opposing the Tehran regime. Anti-terrorism judges in Paris questioned them on Saturday about their connections with the 'People's Mujahedin of Iran,' which seeks to overthrow the clerical-led government in Iran. The questioning of all ten, including Maryam Rajavi, the ceremonial leader of the group, is ongoing. French authorities arrested nearly one hundred sixty members of the group on Tuesday, but most have been released. French officials state that the People's Mujahedin wanted to turn France into their operational center after losing their bases in Iraq during the U.S.-led war. It is reported that this group had prepared attacks against Iranian diplomatic missions in Europe. The People's Mujahedin denies such accusations. Supporters of the group have protested France's actions through self-immolations in Paris, London, Rome, and Bern, Switzerland. Reports indicate that at least one woman has died. Yesterday, over three hundred supporters gathered in front of the organization's office in northeastern Paris. The Mujahedin have maintained an office in Paris for twenty years. The U.S. and the European Union classify the People's Mujahedin as a terrorist organization.