NCRI- The United States must urge Iraq to release the seven hostages taken captive during the September 1 massacre of 52 residents of Camp Ashraf, 34 leading US congressmen have demanded.

In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, the lawmakers also demanded immediate protection for the 3,200 Iranian dissidents still stranded at Camp Liberty in Iraq, where there lives are at daily risk of further attacks.

They wrote: “We are writing to express our deep concern about the killing of dozens and the kidnapping of seven unarmed members of an Iranian opposition group in Camp Ashraf, Iraq.

“We are also concerned about the repeated number of attacks against this group. This administration, on a number of occasions, has urged the government of Iraq to ensure the safety of residents in both Camp Ashraf and their fellow Iranian opposition members in Camp Hurriya. This message does not seem to be getting through.

“We urge you to reduce our assistance to the government of Iraq until they make clear and verifiable efforts to protect this group of innocent people that have been brutally attacked and killed on multiple occasions.

“The first of such efforts should be the immediate release of the seven hostages reportedly held by forces affiliated with the prime minister’s office. Efforts should also include significantly enhancing security structures within Camp Hurriya.”