Mahnaz Samadi is a member of the People's Mujahedin of Iran.
10 Facts About Mahnaz Samadi
1.
2.
Mahnaz Samadi was imprisoned in Evin Prison for four years, and was released in 1986, before escaping from Iran.
3.
Mahnaz Samadi became a commander of the military wing of the MEK based in Iraq, called the "National Liberation Army of Iran", and was responsible for training female fighters at Camp Ashraf.
4.
Mahnaz Samadi came to the United States in 1994, and was granted refugee status in 1996.
5.
Mahnaz Samadi did not disclose her MEK ties to the authorities at the time she applied for it.
6.
Mahnaz Samadi lived as a permanent residence in California, and continued her activity with the organization.
7.
Mahnaz Samadi entered Canada illegally in November 1999 through a border crossing in Vancouver, and reportedly held secret meetings with several members of the MEK in Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa.
8.
On 3 April 2000, Mahnaz Samadi was deported back to the United States.
9.
Mahnaz Samadi was in custody at jails in Buffalo and Syracuse in New York, before being transferred to South Fulton, Georgia, and eventually to Etowah County, Alabama.
10.
Mahnaz Samadi was in danger of deportation to Iran, but several senior officials became involved to prevent the process.