A Meaningful Jab from *Ettelaat* Towards Raisi After the Revelation of a Major Tea Scandal

*Ettelaat* newspaper wrote:

"Recently, in every inauguration, it’s said that the project had been stalled for years, and we were the ones who finally completed it. Similarly, every scandal that’s exposed is attributed to the past, with claims that it has nothing to do with this government.

We won't even address the fact that this may raise suspicions, considering that the head of this government was previously the head of the judiciary—arguably the most important and effective institution for preventing and combating corruption. So how could not even a speck of blame for negligence or oversight land on him?

At first glance, some might assume that we can just shift the blame to the public and say this is the mess they created themselves. But if, under this very government and parliament, which prides itself on revolutionary ideals, integrity, and complete alignment with the leadership and the system, this same pattern is repeated—and perhaps with an outcome even more indefensible than the past—what should be done? And if this 'purification' leads to worse consequences, as it likely will, what is the plan?

How will we be able to advance our own work and hope to present even a minimally acceptable record if, with stubbornness and poor judgment, we eliminate the possibility of utilizing the experience of sincere and dedicated officials from this very system and previous governments by slandering and accusing them, labeling all of them as traitors, fools, and outsiders?"