“My parents separated, and I faced significant emotional and psychological challenges then. The satellite propaganda of armed groups like Komala was easily accessible in our region. In an attempt to escape my emotional and familial issues, and my mother’s neglect, I sought refuge with Komala at the age of 18, hoping to evade the realities of my problems. However, Komala did not resolve my issues.” This statement is a summary of a one-hour interview conducted by a Human Rights Watch journalist with Kimia Shanazidalo, a former member of the terrorist group Komala. Ms. Shanazi, born in 2003 from Marivan, stated to our correspondent. “I was living with my paternal grandmother due to my parents’ separation. In fact, I was abandoned by my parents and had experienced significant emotional and psychological voids. Through satellite advertisements in my grandmother’s home, I developed an inclination towards these groups. I had lost all hope for improving my situation. Ultimately, on June 7, 2021, I illegally exited Iran and infiltrated the Komala forces. However, it only took eight months for me to realize the grave mistake I had made. Therefore, on January 25, I escaped and returned to Iran, surrendering myself.”
Question: Mrs. Shanazi! Please provide an overview of yourself and your living conditions prior to joining Komala.
Kimia Shanazi: I am a child of divorce. I had no knowledge of Komala and life in the camp. On one front, living with my grandmother was beneficial to me, but on the opposite, lack of emotional support from my family was consistently felt. These issues prompted me to seek ways to escape these circumstances. In our region, everyone has been familiar with names such as PKK, PJAK, Komala, and Democrats since childhood.
Question: How was the decision made to join Komala? Who did you consult with?
Kimia Shanazi: Indeed, my decision was significantly influenced by emotions and propaganda. It seemed that Komala could serve as a strategic maneuver to extricate myself from my challenges. With the assistance of a member of this group and after contemplating my living conditions, I resolved to join, with the hope of enhancing my situation! I did not intend to engage in political or armed conflict. My objective was solely to escape from my troubles.
Question: What were your conditions in this group?
Kimia Shanazi: We found ourselves in challenging conditions, and the operations and training were exceedingly difficult for me. Particularly, respecting the strict regulations of the unit posed a significant challenge. The amenities were inadequate. The physical training programs were exceedingly strenuous and monotonous, while the political briefings were tedious and devoid of value.
Question: What prompted your decision to return after approximately 8 months?
Kimia Shanazi: After a period of time, I realized that I could no longer operate under those conditions. The initial promotions and commitments made were not fulfilled. Instead of feeling secure, I was under increased pressure. On this basis, on the date of February 24, 2022, I resolved to overcome my fear and return to Iran.
Question: How did you feel when you surrendered?
Kimia Shanazi: I truly felt a sense of liberation and tranquility. I was aware that challenges might arise, but I was liberated. When I introduced myself to the border forces, fortunately, I was treated with respect. There was no imprisonment or detention and torture! All these claims were lies propagated by Komala to deter us from returning.
Question: Now that you have returned to Iran, has your life undergone any alterations?
Kimia Shanazi: Yes, it has significantly improved. I am currently pursuing my education and striving to learn from my past experiences. I currently possess adequate welfare. My current mental and physical condition is significantly better than it was during my time in Komala. I have come to realize the bitter consequences of my erroneous decision and have made efforts to rectify this mistake and make the correct tactical decision.
