Parviz Mohammadi: I’m from Baneh, a border town constantly grappling with economic hardships, unemployment, and a lack of facilities
The phenomenon of young people joining terrorist and paramilitary groups, especially in Iran’s border and deprived regions, has become a complex and multifaceted challenge in social and security spheres. This isn’t just about political and ideological motivations; economic, social, and cultural factors also play a significant role. Young people, as a vulnerable demographic, are more susceptible to recruitment by these groups due to difficult living conditions and a scarcity of job and educational opportunities. Research indicates that economic poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to quality education foster feelings of despair and frustration in young people. These emotions can push them toward terrorist groups that offer enticing promises, such as a change in living circumstances and the attainment of national identity. Furthermore, the use of social media and targeted propaganda plays a crucial role in shaping young people’s perceptions and aspirations. These tools can easily paint false pictures of a better life and success, enticing young individuals to join these groups.
In this context, the story of Parviz Mohammadi, an 18-year-old from Baneh, serves as a clear example of how these factors influence young people’s decisions. After learning about the terrorist group “PAK” through social media, and facing personal and economic difficulties, he illegally crossed the Sardasht border into Iraqi Kurdistan with several others. During his four years with the group, Parviz encountered numerous challenges and hardships. His narrative not only recounts his personal experience but also illuminates the social and cultural dimensions of this phenomenon.
On May 2, 2023, after four years of membership in PAK, Parviz Mohammadi surrendered himself to the Iranian Consulate and returned to Iran. In this interview, he admitted that due to personal problems and his young age and inexperience, he became acquainted with the PAK terrorist group. After leaving home and fleeing the country with three other individuals he didn’t know (only meeting them during their departure), he illegally crossed the Sardasht border into Iraqi Kurdistan and spent all four years at the Pirdi headquarters (the base of the armed PAK group).
He clarified that he initially spent six months in a training course. After being assigned to the PAK terrorist group’s brigades, he attempted to escape once, but after being apprehended, he was forced to repeat the training course for another four months. Parviz Mohammadi subsequently requested to leave the group three times, but his requests were denied under various pretexts. Finally, after numerous pleas and the completion of the mandatory three-year period for each individual, his departure was approved. Mr. Mohammadi received political training, including the history of Kurdistan and the Kurdish language, as well as military training such as learning to use weapons like BKC, RPG, G3, and more.
Question: What factors led you to decide to join the PAK group? Were you aware of the nature of these types of armed groups? How familiar were you with war and weapons at all?
Parviz Mohammadi: I’m from Baneh, a border town that has always faced economic problems, unemployment, and a lack of facilities. I grew up in such conditions and continued my education until the third year of high school, but I couldn’t get my diploma. After that, because I didn’t have a military service card, I couldn’t continue my studies, and all avenues were closed to me. A few years ago, when I was about 18, I came across PAK group’s advertisements on Instagram. The content they published was very calculated and appealing: images of people in military uniforms, nationalist slogans, promises of going to Europe, and talk of changing lives, prosperity, and freedom! At that time, this content deeply affected me, and I felt that perhaps this was my only way out. With three other people I met while leaving the country, we illegally crossed the Sardasht border into Iraqi Kurdistan. None of us had a precise understanding of this group; we just hoped for a better future.
Question: Were you aware of the conditions and commitments when you joined the group?
Parviz Mohammadi: No, not at all. I had no idea about the reality that awaited me. After arriving at the Pirdi camp, I immediately entered a six-month training period that was physically and psychologically very demanding. The training included working with weapons like BKC, G3, RPG, and grenades. In addition, we had political training classes that covered the history of Kurdistan, the Kurdish language, the group’s manifesto, and ideological issues. After this period, I was transferred to Brigade One, but a few months later, I was forced to undergo another four months of training under the pretext of reorganization. I never felt that I was in a voluntary position; everything was a form of compulsion. From early morning, our minds and bodies were at the disposal of the PAK group. Continuous training, without recreation or the prospect of life in Europe, had made us despair. I officially requested to leave three times, but each time it was rejected for various reasons.
Question: What was life like in the camps? Were the hygienic and psychological conditions tolerable?
Parviz Mohammadi: No, the conditions were really bad. Not only psychologically, but also hygienically, the situation was disastrous. Due to a lack of facilities and the failure to observe the most basic hygiene principles, I developed skin diseases. There was no specific treatment for these problems, and most people were only treated with painkillers or expired medications. Welfare facilities were very scarce and not even distributed fairly. Commanders usually treated members harshly, and the slightest disobedience or even expression of dissatisfaction could lead to punishment and detention. We had no freedom of action, and all movements were under strict supervision. Life was more like a military detention center than a camp for freedom. I believe military barracks had better conditions than PAK’s headquarters! PAK’s headquarters destroyed our spirit, body, hope, and mind. They were worse than detention centers.
Question: How did you finally manage to leave the group?
Parviz Mohammadi: After four years, when the period we were forced to stay with the group ended, I requested to leave for the fourth time, and this time, they finally agreed. It was clear that this decision was only because of my persistent insistence. They knew if they didn’t agree, I wouldn’t stay in the group and would escape. After leaving, I immediately reported myself to the Iranian Consulate in Sulaymaniyah. This happened on May 2, 2023.
Question: How did Iranian officials treat you after your return?
Parviz Mohammadi: Fortunately, they treated me well. After reviewing my records and conducting several interviews, the conditions for my return to the country were arranged. This was because they confirmed that I had not taken up arms and had simply been deceived. I am currently living in Iran and trying to rebuild my life. Although I am still not allowed to continue my education and do not have a military service card, I hope to forge a new path for myself through work and effort.
Question: If you could go back in time, would you make the same decision again?
Parviz Mohammadi: Definitely not. That decision was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. With promises that were never fulfilled, I was separated from my country and family, and instead, I spent years of my life in the harshest conditions. Now, I only hope my experience prevents other young people from falling for this kind of propaganda.
