Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 16, 2000 - Hashemi's Account of Reactions from Reformists and Principlists to Sheikh Hadi Marvi's Remarks

Hashemi's Account of Reactions from Reformists and Principlists to Sheikh Hadi Marvi's Remarks as Deputy Chief Justice and Meeting with Ali Larijani on this Matter, Including Concerns from Tehran Judiciary Judges Regarding Press Closures at Ayatollah Khamenei's Direction and Warning from Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi to Sheikh Hadi Marvi for Clarification of His Remarks

Meeting with Sheikh Mohammad Reza Abbasi Fard and Brigadier General Hassan Danaei Fard on Current Affairs of the Secretariat and Administrative Matters of the Expediency Council

Meeting with Keramatollah Emadi, Representative of Semirum in the Sixth Majlis

Meeting with Ataollah Mohajerani Regarding the Case of Hajj and Umrah Deposits

Complete Entry:

Mr. Marvi's remarks have created a wave of joy among the Second Khordad Front members, and today numerous statements from their domestic and foreign media welcomed these comments, raising concerns among the opposing faction. Mr. Mohammad Reza Abbasi Fard and Brigadier General Hassan Danaei Fard came for financial and administrative affairs related to the Secretariat of the Expediency Council. Mr. Keramatollah Emadi, the representative of Semirum, visited and expressed criticism towards the Second Khordad Front members in the Majlis and government, stating that drought and pests have inflicted damages of about 17 billion tomans on Semirum's agriculture, seeking assistance for the people.

Mr. Ataollah Mohajerani, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, presented documents to prove the legality of his dealings regarding the profits from Hajj and Umrah deposits. He has been summoned to court due to the General Inspection Organization's findings of misconduct and believes that this legal action is politically motivated to pressure him to resign. He stated that although he initially intended to resign by October, he will not do so until the court's outcome is clear. He mentioned that Mr. Mohammad Khatami has suggested he accept the position of cultural deputy to the President, which he declined, expressing his desire not to remain in the government. He believes that Mr. Khatami should not run in the upcoming elections, as the current situation would lead the country to lag significantly, and someone who aligns with the leadership should take over. He expects assistance in resolving his legal troubles and has expressed similar sentiments to the Larijanis. Additionally, he stated that if a court is formed, he would speak about others who have used the same funds, including former Ministers of Culture and Mr. Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, the Chief Justice, and Mr. Ali Razini.

In the afternoon, Mr. Ali Larijani, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), visited and reported that the head of the Tehran judiciary and the judges concerned with newspapers are angry over Mr. Marvi's remarks. A complaint has been filed against Mr. Shahroudi, who is currently in Mashhad, and he stated that Mr. Marvi has expressed his own opinion, which does not reflect the judiciary's policy, and he has been advised to clarify his comments. Larijani noted that the current situation is undesirable, leading the country toward a crisis, with the leadership directly involved, and attacks on the leadership increasing. The Freedom Movement has announced a meeting on Monday. The news of the sunken Russian submarine has gained widespread attention.