Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - October 17, 2000 - Issuance of Strong Statements by Reformists Against the Judiciary, the Special Court for Clerics, and Particularly Ayatollah Montazeri

Meeting with Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the appointed prosecutor for the clergy and head of the Special Court, following yesterday's meeting with Sheikh Abbas Ali Alizadeh and Sheikh Mohammadi, providing reports on the state of the press and prisoners, which were largely handled by the Special Court. The discussion also included the refusal to allow Abdullah Nouri's prison conditions to be converted to “open prison,” despite Hashemi's insistence that he should be able to spend weekends at home and return to prison at the beginning of the workweek. Additionally, it was reported that a death sentence was issued for Hassan Youssefi Ashkouri by Judge Mohammad Salimi, the head of the second branch of the Special Court for Clerics.

This sentence was later overturned at the behest of Ayatollah Khamenei, citing procedural stages based on his jurisprudential opinion, contradicting Ayatollah Khomeini's stance in Tahrir al-Wasilah, following objections from Ashkouri and his lawyer, Sheikh Barzegar, and simultaneous complaints from Mohseni Ejei, the appointed prosecutor for the clergy, which resulted in the sentence being commuted to imprisonment in the first branch of the court presided over by Sheikh Ali Razini.

Meeting with Mohammad Hashemi following disputes within the Central Council of the Executives Party and discussions about recent separate meetings some of the party leaders have had with Hashemi.

Notification of the passing of Abdullah Nouri's mother by Mohsen Hashemi and a message of condolences from Hashemi.

Continued political consultations with Ali Larijani, this time still regarding Khatami and the reformist government.

Meeting with Asadollah Badamchian along with student supporters of the Islamic Coalition Party.

Full Entry of the Day:

Today we had good rain. Harsh statements have been issued by the reformist groups against the judiciary and the Special Court for Clerics. Ayatollah Montazeri has also issued a statement condemning the trial of Mr. Hassan Youssefi Ashkouri, a national-religious activist, on charges of apostasy, rebellion, and corruption on earth.

Mr. Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the Special Prosecutor for the Clergy, visited. He reiterated Mr. Abbas Ali Alizadeh's statements regarding the leftists and liberals’ plans to launch new newspapers and their programs for prisoners, also addressing the request for "open prison" status for Mr. Abdullah Nouri, stating that it is still premature. I suggested that their approval would be beneficial. He mentioned an astonishing news that a death sentence has been issued for Mr. Hassan Youssefi Ashkouri.

My brother Mohammad, the head of the Central Council of the Executives Party, came to discuss the continuation of the party's work and the organization of a congress. Mohsen informed me that Mr. Abdullah Nouri's mother has passed away; I sent condolences.

In the evening, Dr. Ali Larijani, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Organization, came and reported the public opinion survey regarding Mr. Seyed Mohammad Khatami's government, which the majority deemed largely unsuccessful. He had comments regarding the upcoming presidential election and the press. Mr. Khatami has shown sensitivity toward discussions about “passing over Khatami,” which implies sidelining him from the plans of the radical second Khordad faction, and has made provocative statements in response.

Students from the Islamic Coalition Party visited, numbering about 250. Mr. Asadollah Badamchian, the political secretary of the party, reported. I spoke about the necessity of coordinating science with religion, mosques, seminaries, and universities.

My brother Ahmad came asking for assistance in transferring his daughter Haleh from the Azad University in Bardasir to Tehran. I returned home in the evening, and Fati brought food. Opposition to the Sharm El Sheikh agreement has escalated.