Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - January 16, 2000 - Karbaschi's Pardon Request Addressed to the Leader Has Been Submitted

Karbaschi's pardon request was submitted to the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei also wished for me to formally request it, so I did so over the phone. It is unclear whether the text will be accepted since the word "pardon" was not explicitly used.

Today, it snowed until the evening. At 9 AM, I went to the Foreign Ministry's Center for Infectious and Tropical Diseases to inaugurate a conference. Dr. [Davood] Yadegari gave a report and a welcome speech, and I also gave a talk. I emphasized the importance of healthcare, disease prevention, and the danger of the resurgence of infectious diseases due to microbial resistance to drugs. I highlighted the root of these issues in the exploitation and colonization of countries by imperial powers, leaving most of the world’s population unable to afford healthcare and treatment.

On the way back to the office, we were delayed by heavy traffic; what usually takes 30 minutes took an hour. [Isa Golvardi], commander of the Hormozgan IRGC, came to invite me to the Congress of Martyr Commanders of the province and gave a report on the situation of the IRGC and the Navy.

Later, Dr. [Mostafa Moein], Minister of Culture and Higher Education, arrived. He gave a report on the state of universities and research and complained about the low salaries of professors and researchers. He also explained the plan to restructure the ministry.

In the afternoon, Engineer [Mohammad] Gharazi came, expressing his dissatisfaction with not being included on the [Jame'eh Rohaniyat Mobarez's] election list. Members of the Hezbollah Assembly also came to visit.

Mr. [Hamid Najari], Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Assembly, presented a report, and I spoke about safeguarding the revolution's achievements, the goals of the martyrs, and the importance of realism and moderation for their party.

In the evening, Karbaschi's pardon request, addressed to the Leader, was submitted. He requested that I also write something regarding the matter. I drafted a separate letter to the Leader, asking him to consider Karbaschi's request due to his services and revolutionary background.

Ayatollah Khamenei was inclined for me to formally ask as well, so I called him and requested swift action. However, it remains unclear whether the text will be accepted, as the word "pardon" was not explicitly used.