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The fact that Albania offered shelter to a dissident group that aims to overthrow Tehran's regime and that is actively working to achieve this goal, has put Tirana in the crosshairs of Tehran, Adrian Shtuni, expert on foreign and security policy based in Washington and fellow of the International Center for Counter-Terrorism, in The Hague.
On June 20, the Albanian State Police raided the camp of some Iranian mujahedin, known as the MEK group, under the suspicion that some of its members have committed the criminal offenses of "provocation of war" and "cyber attacks".
The MEK itself described the police action as "criminal" and "oppressive".
Stuni says that if the suspicions against the group are confirmed, they constitute "a clear threat to the national security of Albania".
Radio Free Europe: After raids on the camp of the Iranian Mujahideen, the authorities in Albania said that there are suspicions of several criminal offenses - among them "provocation of war". Can you tell us more about this work?
Adrian Shtuni: The fact that Article 211* is mentioned in the court document means that the authorities consider the acts in this case as those that expose Albania to the threat of war or the intervention of a foreign power.
This is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment of not less than 15 years.
Radio Free Europe: In your opinion, does the MEK group represent a security risk in Albania?
Adrian Shtuni: MEK members have been sworn enemies of the Tehran regime for more than 40 years. The fact that Albania offered shelter to a dissident group that aims to overthrow the Tehran regime and is actively working to achieve this goal, has put Tirana in the crosshairs of Tehran.
The devastating cyber attack against Albania last year was a clear example of the type of threats the country faces. But the threat is not limited to cyberspace.
The Albanian government had to cancel MEK's annual summit less than a year ago due to terrorist threats.
Radio Free Europe: Do you think that the Albanian authorities should continue the accommodation agreement with the MEK? The American representatives in Albania said that it is up to the official Tirana to decide about it.
Adrian Shtuni: The Albanian authorities agreed about a decade ago to offer shelter to the MEK group for humanitarian reasons, but on the condition that the group refrain from engaging in certain political activities.
If the suspicions that the group used Albania to launch cyber attacks or to plot and finance terrorist activities are confirmed, such a thing is likely to compromise its position.
Such activities not only violate the agreement, but constitute a clear threat to Albania's national security.
In that case, the authorities would have to weigh different options, based on the degree of involvement in such activities and the number of individuals engaged in them.
On the other hand, if the allegations are not supported by evidence gathered during the raid or through other investigative steps, I do not think the current agreement will be affected.
Radio Free Europe: Can the Albanian Government unilaterally decide to terminate the agreement?
Adrian Shtuni: Çdo vend sovran ka të drejtë të hyjë në marrëveshje dypalëshe dhe të tërhiqet prej tyre nëse arrin në përfundimin se kushtet e marrëveshjes janë shkelur, marrëveshja nuk i shërben më interesit më të mirë të vendit, etj. Por, kushtet e marrëveshjes zakonisht përcaktojnë kushtet që do të çonin në ndërprerjen e saj.
Megjithatë, besoj se autoritetet shqiptare do të konsultoheshin me autoritetet amerikane në rast se do të konsideronin një hap kaq drastik.
Radio Evropa e Lirë: A mendoni se SHBA-ja ndryshoi qëndrim ndaj grupit MEK? Ajo shprehu mbështetje për bastisjen e kryer nga policia shqiptare.
Adrian Shtuni: The fact that the US showed support for the steps taken by the Albanian authorities in the investigation of possible crimes, in my opinion, does not necessarily indicate a change of position towards the MEK group.
Simply put, the Albanian authorities have the sovereign right to take any legal steps deemed necessary to investigate potential crimes, prevent threats and minimize risks to national security. The statement I have seen clarifies that the American authorities support this right, as well as the steps taken to exercise it./REL
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