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HomeNo to Nouri al-Maliki Iran Resistance(UPDATED 13:00) Iranians hold rally outside White House protest Maliki visit

(UPDATED 13:00) Iranians hold rally outside White House protest Maliki visit

13:00 Washington D.C. local time:

Prominent U.S. dignitaries, including Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and presidential candidate (2012); Tom Ridge, First Secretary of Homeland Security; Senator Robert Torricelli (1997-2003); Patrick Kennedy, Congressman (1995-2011); and Col. Wesley Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism Force Protection Officer for Coalition Forces in Iraq and U.S. commander for protection of Ashraf; were speakers at the rally.

12:30 Washington D.C. local time:

Protesters chant: “Down with Maliki, Malki is murderer”

12:25 Washington D.C. local time:

Mrs. Rajavi said: “Demand from the Iraqi Prime Minister to release the hostages and not to hamper provision of protective and security requirements for Camp Liberty. In the face of any such obstructions, cut off economic aid to and weapons ties with Iraq. You bear responsibility to hold Maliki accountable with respect to his commitments.”

12:15 Washington D.C. local time:

Mrs. Rajavi said: “There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that the massacre of the 52 residents of Ashraf and the hostage-taking of seven others were carried out by the Iraqi government and with its cooperation. Therefore, it is incumbent on the U.S. government to say why it is concealing this reality? Besides, when it welcomes this man at the highest level, it implies that it is accepting to shoulder responsibility vis-à-vis his policies. That is why we say: Mr. President, after your meeting with Maliki, your responsibility with respect to the fate of the hostages and the 3,000 members of the MEK in Liberty prison is two-fold.”

12:10 Washington D.C. local time:

Iranians protesting outside the White House call on President Obama to ask Maliki to immediately release the seven Iranian dissidents he has taken hostage during the September 1 attack on Camp Ashraf.

12:00 Washington D.C. local time:

Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran addressed the rally through a video message.

Iranians have traveled to Washington from across the United States to attend rally against Nouri al-Malki.

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As  U.S. President Obama meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Iranians opposition holds a mass rally outside the White House strongly condemning Maliki’s atrocities against Iranian dissidents in Iraq.

Maliki’s visit is being protested by supporters of the Iranian opposition the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/ MEK).

Members of the PMOI (MEK) are held at a camp in Iraq and have been attacked by Iraqi forces a number times.

Members of Congress this week pressed Maliki respect the rights of PMOI members in Iraq.