Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - May 9, 2000 - Afternoon meeting with Seyed Hassan Khomeini and criticism of Hashemi for his sharp sermon and public attacks.

Afternoon meeting with Seyed Hassan Khomeini and criticism of Hashemi for his sharp sermon and public attacks.

On this day, to support the statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei on May 1, 2000, Akbar Hashemi personally led the Friday prayers in Tehran, delivering a sharp sermon that criticized reformists.

In the afternoon, Seyed Hassan Khomeini came by. He mentioned that today’s sermon had been harsh and upset the Second of Khordad movement. I replied that I had supported the government as well and showed him some newly published books of Imam Khomeini’s works.

He expressed concern over the increasing tensions between the two factions and the anger of the Second of Khordad supporters due to the closure of their press. He noted that the release of some accused in the chain murders, their torture revelations, and false confessions under pressure could lead to a major uproar, and those responsible for these injustices should be punished. Two of these individuals had met with him and shared their tragic stories.

He asked me to think of ways to reduce the divisions. He said that the Berlin conference issue and the closure of pro-government media had caused Second of Khordad groups to set aside their internal disputes and unite. He informed me that today’s morning newspaper planned to publish a new paper called "Bahār."

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