Iranian reformists challenge hardline cleric's "ironclad immunity"

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati

Iranian reformist group, Islamic Iran Participation Front issued a statement saying Ayatollah Jannati must enjoy “Ironclad immunity” since none of the lawsuits against him get processed.

In a speech at a Qom mosque last Tuesday, Ayatollah Jannati announced that he is in possession of a document that reveals the “leaders of sedition”, which is the way Iranian hardliners refer to Iran’s opposition leaders, had received a billion dollars from the US through Saudi intermediaries to topple the Islamic Republic regime.

Jannati added: “The Saudis speaking on behalf of the US told them, if you can destroy the regime, we will give you up to fifty billion dollars.”

The Islamic Iran Participation Front stresses that the head of the Guardian Council, Ayatollah Jannati must “clarify how and when he has secured these documents.” They go on to ask: “Has he supplied the authorities with these documents? Has he made these revelations with the authority of the relevant officials?”

Islamic Iran Participation Front adds: “How can an individual that does not refrain from committing the biggest sins, be in charge of two positions that have justice as their first criterion.”

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati is the head of the Guardian Council and the leader of Tehran’s Friday Mass Prayers.

The reformist organization goes on to demand that Ayatollah Jannati reveal the names of the recipients of the said money and asks if the allegations of Jannati are not proven, will he still continue to hold his positions in the government?

The Islamic Iran Participation Front urges the judiciary to announce its stance regarding the statement of the head of the Guardian Council and state what punishment would await him, if his statements are not backed by evidence.

Opposition leader, Mehdi Karroubi also condemned the allegations of Ahmad Jannati yesterday in a blunt statement and urged the head of the Guardian Council to repent from his deeds and seek the forgiveness of the people.