Contrary to the information circulated by several Albanian media sources, SPAK has not issued a ban on the entry of Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the Mujahideen, into Albania. Faktoje’s verification affirms that the entire situation stems from a deliberate act of disinformation propagated by Iranian media.
On August 3rd, online media in Albania reported that SPAK had banned Mujahideen leader Maryam Rajavi from entering Albania.
“ She wanted to visit the ‘Ashraf 3’ camp in Manez, the leader of the Mujahideen, Maryam Rajavi, was denied entry to Albania,” writes the “Pamphlet.net” portal.
The article published by the “Pamphlet.net” portal
Even the “Noa.al” portal confirms the news regarding the prohibition of the Mujahideen leader’s entry into our country. ” SPAK prohibits the entry into Albania of the leader of the mujahedin “, writes ‘Noa.al’.
Article published by “Noa.al” portal
The news has received extensive coverage in Albanian media. However, in contrast to the aforementioned portals, other media outlets have exercised caution by explicitly mentioning the information source in their headlines.
Some of the other portals that have reflected this article are: Politiko.al, Lapsi.al, Boldnews.al, Dosja.al, Top News, Vox News, Javanews.al, Standart.al, Syri.net, Gazeta Tema.
In response to the widespread publication of the article in Albanian media, Faktoje submitted an information request to SPAK. The inquiry included a specific query about whether there was a ban or denial of entry for citizen Maryam Rajavi into Albania.
In an official response dated August 3rd, SPAK provided clarification to Faktoje, stating: “No restraining measure or any other coercive action has been taken against citizen Maryam Rajavi in relation to the ongoing criminal proceedings conducted by the Special Prosecutor’s Office.”
Maryam Rajavi is the leader of the Mujahideen of Iran, an organization that advocates for the overthrow of the Iranian government, and is the president -elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
Regarding the claim that the leader of the mujahedin had left Albania after the riots in the MEK camp to go to France, we addressed a request for information to the State Police. As of the publication of this article, we have not received a reply from this institution.
How did this information reach the media in Albania?
Upon investigation, it becomes evident that the unverified information originates from the “Tasnim News Agency,” a media outlet known for promoting Iran’s propaganda. This characteristic is prominently evident in the agency’s reporting style.
Based on online sources, the “Tasnim News Agency” is identified as a semi-official news agency in Iran, with affiliations to the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
This information was also disseminated by another media outlet, “Shargh,” which is known for promoting Iran’s propaganda.
This media outlet wrote among others: “Informed security sources informed Tehran-based Tasnim News Agency that Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has prevented Rajavi’s entry into the country following an examination of documents indicating that the MKO has orchestrated terrorist activities within Iran.”.
Nonetheless, SPAK’s official response dismisses this Iranian propaganda, which had garnered significant coverage in the Albanian media. Since the arrival of the Mujahideen in Albania, Iranian authorities have engaged in disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing discord and fostering animosity towards this community.
In an article published on August 1, Faktoje confirmed, referring to information from SPAK and the State Police, that the computer equipment seized during the search at the “Ashraf 3” camp in Manza, had not been sent to Iran.
Note:
On August 11, 2023, the noa.al website and the Facebook page of the National News Agency NOA rectified the information following verification by Faktoje. The reported news’ original classification was latter changed on Facebook.
