Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - March 10, 2000 - Protests in Gachsaran over the Annulment of Elections

In Gachsaran, a group of people protested against the annulment of the elections.

I spent the day at home, reading the minutes of the Revolutionary Council, the memoirs of the late [Seyed Hossein] Badala, revising the indexes of Tafsir Rahnama, and drafting a statement of gratitude. This statement is intended to thank the public, various groups, organizations, scholars, professionals, and notable individuals who supported me against the actions of the Belgian court, condemned Belgium, and criticized internal smear campaigns.

In most Friday prayers today, the imams protested the Belgian court's ruling and denounced certain internal newspapers and individuals involved in the smear campaign. They expressed support and praise for me, and reports indicate that worshippers enthusiastically welcomed these remarks. A defensive stance seems to have emerged among opposing factions.

At noon, the children gathered, and discussions primarily centered around the elections and the possibility of vote tampering by the Ministry of Interior during the counting process.

Part of the time was also spent reviewing my memoirs from 1987, particularly regarding issues related to encounters with the U.S. fleet and oil tankers, especially the Bridgeton tanker. In Gachsaran, some people have staged protests in response to the annulment of the elections.