Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – June 18, 1981

Today is a holiday, and I am resting at home. I had intended to go there to look into the situation of the earthquake victims in Golbaf, Kerman, but because of the sensitivity of the situation in the capital, I decided to forgo the trip.

Early in the morning, Mr. Mohammadzadeh, the license holder of the film Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), came and complained that the Islamic Republic Broadcasting wants to show the film on television without his consent. The Imam has a religious ruling that has invalidated the rights of authors and others to royalties, and he was seeking a solution. He claims to have spent 14 million tomans and still has not recovered more than 7 million tomans.

An officer came and complained that his daughter had been dismissed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I went to see the Imam to offer my congratulations. The aforementioned religious ruling was also discussed. He maintains that ruling in cases where it would not cause major damage to the country’s policies, but if disregarding this right were to cause losses, undermine the confidence of productive forces, and result in damage to important matters, he considers it necessary to respect this royalty right. I spoke with the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. They say they have made a profit far exceeding its costs and that we will pay the legal broadcasting rights for the film.

I spoke with the Imam about the command council of the armed forces. His view is that, for now, it should remain as it is until a suitable person or persons are found. I suggested Ahmad Agha. He said that Ahmad should not become involved in any work.

I met Generals Fallahi and Fakouri there. They were concerned, but said that it would be better if the Army did not interfere in political affairs, and for this reason they considered Bani-Sadr’s removal a good thing.

After some time, I met Hossein Agha Khomeini. He was dispirited. Mr. Mohsen Rezaei called and said that in West Azerbaijan, the Democrats had expanded their acts of violence, had taken control of some places, and were supporting Bani-Sadr.

Bani-Sadr is still missing, and the Imam’s view is that he should not be allowed to leave the country. He said that someone had been sent to him and was afraid that he himself would be executed, and the Imam had reassured him.

Early in the evening, I went with Mr. Beheshti to Khoram Park to visit the members of the Revolutionary Guards from Khuzestan who had come from Khuzestan. Late at night, Ahmad Agha Khomeini called and complained that the Imam’s important message had not been broadcast on television. He said that he had read the message at a gathering of people at Amjadieh Stadium, and the people had chanted enthusiastic slogans against Bani-Sadr and the liberals. I asked Mr. Larijani for an explanation. He said that a great deal of time had been spent removing the strong slogans, and they had missed the program; it would be broadcast later.