Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - June 19, 2000 - Meeting with the Vice Presidents of the Strategic Research Center and Their Complaints about the Lack of Attention to the Complaints of the Released Defendants in the Chain Murders

Meeting with the Vice Presidents of the Strategic Research Center and Their Complaints about the Lack of Attention to the Complaints of the Released Defendants in the Chain Murders

I had a meeting with the vice presidents of the Strategic Research Center [of the Expediency Discernment Council]. They gave a report on research projects. I discussed current issues with Dr. [Hassan] Rouhani, including the violation by the Parliament members of the Leader’s directive regarding the press law amendment. During the meeting with the vice presidents of the Strategic Research Center, my parliamentary representation and legal provisions were discussed. It was mentioned that, first, the law is silent about resigning before the approval of credentials, and second, since the Guardian Council had annulled the Tehran elections with 8 out of 10 votes, and with the Leader’s intervention and use of his absolute authority, the situation changed. This raises the question of whether the validity of Tehran MPs' representation relies on ordinary law at all. If they wish to resign, they must first come to an understanding with the Leader, which I have done. It was also mentioned that, in my announcement of withdrawal, the pardon of individuals who had made incorrect and false statements was a positive move and had a serious impact on society. Previously, during a meeting with members of the Islamic Coalition Party, Mr. [Habibollah] Asgaroladi had emphasized this point as well.

In the afternoon, Haj Agha Mehdi Haeri came. He explained his charitable work and the Islamic Azad University under his management. He complained about Dr. [Abdollah] Jasbi’s [President of the Islamic Azad University] opposition to his supplementary educational programs and asked for help. The vice ministers from the Ministry of Intelligence came. They were upset about the Judiciary’s lack of attention to the complaints of the defendants in the chain murders regarding the manner of their interrogations and requested that the issue be addressed in the Expediency Discernment Council.

Last night, the United Nations Security Council confirmed Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which led to severe criticism from the Lebanese government, calling the statement contradictory.