Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - November 29, 1999 - Continued Political Statements and Gatherings in Support of Sheikh Abdullah Nouri, Which, According to Hashemi, in Some Cases Touch Upon the Leadership

These entries in Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's memoirs contain significant historical markers.

Meeting of Mohsen Nourbakhsh and Es’haq Jahangiri with Hashemi, where they sought Hashemi's help in securing clemency for both Gholamhossein Karbaschi and Sheikh Abdullah Nouri. They also expressed the government's intention to delay the submission of the 1379 (2000) budget bill so that it could be addressed by the incoming Sixth Parliament. They then expressed concerns about the establishment of the new party, the Moderation and Development Party, which they saw as a potential rival to the Executives of Construction Party.

The expression of regret by Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, the President, regarding Abdullah Nouri's conviction, sparked a backlash from his opponents in the media.

The most direct and historically significant entry today is the proposal by Sheikh Masih Mohajeri, in his capacity as both the Advisor to the President and a member of the press community as the editor-in-chief of the Jomhouri Eslami newspaper, to Ayatollah Khamenei. Mohajeri suggested that instead of responding reactively to the media one by one, which only led to immediate replacements, Ayatollah Khamenei should make a decisive move and shut down all the press targeting controversial topics in one swift action.

This suggestion was effectively implemented in early 2000 under the orders of Ayatollah Khamenei with the support of the judiciary.

The second interview session with Masoud Safiri, which would later be published as Hashemi Without Retouching.

The surgery of Fatemeh Hashemi, who had been injured in a car accident in the north.

The continuation of political statements and gatherings in defense of Sheikh Abdullah Nouri, which, according to Hashemi, in some cases challenged the leadership.

Last night, Mohsen Nourbakhsh and Es’haq Jahangiri came and asked me to intervene in seeking clemency for both Gholamhossein Karbaschi and Abdullah Nouri. They also mentioned that the government preferred the 1379 (2000) budget bill to be presented after the elections. I told them that given the two-stage elections, it would likely extend into the following year. They expressed some concerns about the establishment of the new Moderation and Development Party.

President Khatami expressed regret over Nouri's conviction, and this was enough for his supporters in the foreign media to amplify the issue. Masih Mohajeri came and reported on his discussions with the leadership, saying that while Ayatollah Khamenei takes good positions, they are not always implemented.

Mohajeri criticized the gradual shutdown of individual newspapers, which usually generates strong reactions and quick replacements, arguing that if a press policy is to be enforced, it should be done swiftly and comprehensively. He also supported President Khatami’s policies but emphasized that Khatami must also control his supporters who engage in disruptive actions. He pointed out that while Khamenei had restrained the opposing faction, the left-wing group continued to cause disruption. He argued that Khatami had been rescued from the fallout of the university dormitory incident and the Moj newspaper controversy without paying any price.

He also sharply criticized the President’s office and the weakening of the Revolutionary Court. He mentioned that Khamenei had said that the U.S. believed after the death of Imam Khomeini, leadership would falter, but Hashemi’s unwavering support, as a powerful president, strengthened the position of the leadership. Now, they are plotting to capture the parliament and seek revenge.

He insisted that I participate in the elections and show support for the leadership against the criticisms of the Special Clerical Court.

In the evening, I had the second session of my interview with Mr. [Masoud] Safiri for his book on untold stories from the early years of the revolution. This morning, Fatemeh had surgery to repair her broken bones; I was worried until noon. Dr. [Seyyed Mahmoud] Tabatabaei and Effat reported at noon that the surgery had gone well. In the evening, Effat told me she was still in pain and had a fever; I am worried.

Islamic associations and the Office for Strengthening Unity at several universities, through statements and limited gatherings, have condemned the trial of Mr. [Abdullah] Nouri, [Editor-in-Chief of Khordad newspaper]. Political groups are also issuing statements of opposition, and all of this seems to be directed at the leadership, with foreign entities explicitly linking the issue to the leadership.

Students at universities in Kurdistan and Ardabil have held protest rallies over their welfare and student issues. Some are satisfied with Khatami's remarks about Nouri, while others are not and say that action is needed, not just words.