The KGK leadership authorized certain Iranian-Kurdish KGK members to create a KGK splinter group that

The KGK leadership authorized certain Iranian-Kurdish KGK members to create a KGK splinter group that

would portray itself as independent from but allied with KGK. PJAK was created to appeal to Iranian

Kurds. KGK formally institutionalized PJAK in 2004 and selected five KGK members to serve as PJAK

leaders, including Hajji Ahmadi, a KGK affiliate who became PJAK’s General Secretary. KGK leaders also

selected the members of PJAK’s 40-person central committee. Although certain PJAK members objected to

the KGK selecting their leaders, the KGK advised that PJAK had no choice.

As of April 2008, KGK leadership controlled PJAK and allocated personnel to the group. Separately, PJAK

members have carried out their activities in accordance with orders received from KGK senior leaders.

In one instance, PJAK’s armed wing, the East Kurdistan Defense Forces, had been acting independently

in Iran. KGK senior leaders immediately intervened, however, and recalled the responsible PJAK

officials to northern Iraq.

Under E.O. 13224, any assets PJAK has under UGGs Sheepskin Cuff Boots jurisdiction are frozen, and UGGs

Sheepskin Cuff Boots persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with PJAK.