Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 15, 2000 - Hashemi's Account of Continued Reactions Supporting or Opposing Ayatollah Khamenei's Actions

Continued Reactions Supporting or Opposing Ayatollah Khamenei's Actions Regarding the Press Law

Participation of Hashemi in the funeral procession of 300 martyrs alongside Mohammad Khatami and Sheikh Mehdi Karroubi, with indirect remarks from Karroubi during the ceremony addressing criticisms from the Office of Strengthening Unity.

Hashemi's warning to Behzad Nabavi and several other members of the Sixth Majlis presidency about the adverse outcomes of political disarray within and outside the Sixth Majlis.

Continuing follow-ups and appeals by Javad Gorji regarding his lands affected by urban development plans.

Consultation with Saeed Faghihi on political matters and the proposal to establish a political party.

Meeting with Mohsen Ghaemi Nasab and his colleagues at the radio station.

Meeting with Asadollah Badamchian, who raised concerns about the candidacy of Mohammad Khatami for a second term in the presidency, calling for a clear statement from Ayatollah Khamenei on this matter.

Hashemi's account of ongoing reactions for or against Ayatollah Khamenei's actions.

Comments from Sheikh Hadi Marvi, then Deputy Chief Justice, despite Ayatollah Khamenei's will, noted in Hashemi's writings, stating that the closure of newspapers and the detention of journalists is not a general policy of the judiciary. These remarks were well-received by reformists and created significant controversies for Sheikh Hadi Marvi within the political and media landscape.

Complete Entry:

I attended the funeral ceremony for 300 martyrs recently found on the front lines. Mr. Karroubi, the Speaker of the Majlis, spoke and indirectly addressed criticisms from the Office of Strengthening Unity and others, stating that he does not owe any political group. I warned Mr. Behzad Nabavi, the Deputy Speaker, and several members of the presidency who had come to welcome and escort, that if they do not prevent these disputes, it will lead to dire consequences.

Dr. Javad Gorji came to appeal for clarity regarding his land in Karaj, which has been affected by development plans since the victory of the Revolution. Mr. Saeed Faghihi, the Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs and Sports Federation, mentioned that many experts now believe that the appropriate path for the country aligns with the policies of the Reconstruction Government and expressed their intention to establish a party to pursue this. He requested my assistance and stated that neither the leadership's policies nor those of Mr. Khatami are yielding results.

Mr. Mohsen Ghaemi Nasab, the head of the Maaref Radio and the management team from the Qom Radio Network, arrived to explain their programs and seek my intellectual support, believing they have made significant progress. In the evening, Mr. Asadollah Badamchian came and discussed the dangers posed by the movements of the Second Khordad Front and the potential harms of re-electing Mr. Khatami. He called for a clear policy from the leadership and the establishment of a strong party to unite the valued forces.

There are numerous criticisms, both directly and indirectly, of the leadership's actions regarding reforms and the press in domestic and foreign media, which is unprecedented in the Revolution. Conversely, there is considerable support from the valued forces, including during today's funeral ceremony.

A large Russian submarine, the K-429, has run aground and sustained damage in the Barents Sea, carrying 116 crew members. There are concerns that it may have collided with an external object, possibly an American submarine monitoring Russian maneuvers in the area. The safety of the crew is at risk due to the submarine being nuclear-powered, raising fears of a uranium leak.

Mr. Hadi Marvi, the then Deputy Chief Justice, stated in an interview that the closure of newspapers and the detention of journalists is not a general policy of the judiciary, and many judges disagree with this interpretation of the law.