Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - May 21, 2000 - The Tehran Judiciary’s Allegation of Akbar Ganji’s Collaboration with an American Officer

Seyyed Hossein Marashi came and inquired whether I ultimately intend to go to the Sixth Parliament. I told him that I am not inclined to join the Parliament; further discussions should be held to determine the best course of action. Mr. Masih Mohajeri, [Advisor to the President and Editor-in-Chief of the "Jomhouri Eslami" newspaper], came and expressed surprise at the Leader’s approval of the Tehran elections despite the annulment by the Guardian Council. He suggested that it would be preferable for me to refrain from going to Parliament with the Leader’s consent.

Mr. [Abolqasem] Khazali, [Secretary-General of the International Ghadir Foundation], visited. He severely criticized the performance of the government under Mr. [Seyyed Mohammad] Khatami, [President], and mentioned that if it weren't for the Leader’s prohibition, he would have voiced many criticisms. He requested that I enter the Parliament to defend the Revolution and Islam. He also sought assistance for the cultural foundation of Ghadir.

Mr. General [Mansour] Hashemian came by. He had previously served as the head of traffic police and is now retired and working at the Metro. He came only to visit and express kindness. Dr. [Ali] Abbaspour, [Tehran representative], came and discussed the challenges facing the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and proposed solutions. He also spoke about the positive and negative positions of current members.

In the evening, Mohammad [Hashemi], Mohsen [Hashemi], and Hossein Marashi came to consult on whether to go to Parliament. We have three options: 1- Withdrawal, 2- Entering Parliament and running for Speaker, 3- Entering Parliament without running for Speaker. I am leaning towards withdrawing, if possible.

The officials responsible for organizing the Congress of Martyrs from Qazvin Province came and gave their report. I spoke about the liberation of Khorramshahr and commemorating the martyrs. The Guardian Council has filed a complaint against the Tehran Election Headquarters for violations, and the Judiciary has opened a case. The Judiciary has also announced that one of Akbar Ganji’s charges is collaborating with an American officer.

Israel withdrew from several settlements in southern Lebanon today, allowing people to return to their towns. China and the European Union signed a broad economic cooperation agreement, which has upset the United States.