Shuresh Mohammadi, born in 1992 and a former member of PJAK, spent only 20 days in its headquarters.
According to IKHRW, from Marivan, the atmosphere and environment of the headquarters of the militia are so suffocating and unbearable that all members are seeking an opportunity to escape. Mohammadi, realized its nature in just 20 days and as a result, he left the group. He has shared his experiences and observations with IKHRW and readers in this exclusive interview.
Mr. Mohammadi joined this armed group, in late June, due to family problems and under the influence of false promises by the forces of PJAK, and after about 1 month, ultimately in July, he escaped and entered Iran. He emphasized that he had no prior knowledge or interest in PJAK and had not even watched their channels.
Question: Mr. Mohammadi! What was the reason for your membership in PJAK? Were you familiar with the nature of this group? Did any members of your family or relatives belong to this group?
Shuresh Mohammad: For a long time, I couldn’t find a suitable job in our city and faced numerous financial difficulties. Therefore, I decided to go to Sulaymaniyah to find a job there. In Sulaymaniyah, I was standing alongside other job seekers when suddenly a white car stopped in front of us. The rest fled as they saw the car! At first, I didn’t understand why; but I became pleased I found a job. At first, they asked me to work as a gardener inside a garden. I accepted and got into the car, but gradually we left the city and entered the mountains! Then we arrived at a location where everyone was armed. I objected “Where have you brought me to?” They said “this is the headquarters of the PJAK and you must receive training here and be deployed to battle.”
Question: What was your reaction?
Shuresh Mohammadi: I was furious and extremely frightened and didn’t know what to do! I attempted to escape twice. But they arrested me. Fortunately, exactly after 20 days during which they forcibly held me there, I managed to escape and quickly made my way to one of the villages, contacting my family to come after me. I only was seeking a job. I had no interest in war, nor did I even know about PJAK.
Question: What happened later?
Fortunately, my family swiftly arrived at Sulaymaniyah. We entered Iran with no problem.
