Ahmadinejad Criticizes IRGC Intervention in the Economy

  • 3/20/2018
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Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad published two letters he had sent to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, demanding the cessation of interference of the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the economy, and warning of increased popular resentment against the regime. On Monday, Dolat-e Bahar website published the two letters, part of a series of moves in response to the arrest of Ahmadinejads aides Esfandiar Rahim Mashai and Hamid Baqai. The last letter dates back to Tuesday March 13, while the first is dated February 19. It was the first time that Ahmadinejad revealed the full content of the two letters. Ahmadinejad demanded structural reforms in institutions such as the conservative-led Guardian Council and the Judiciary, and called for putting an end to the rule of parallel institutions. He also called for the establishment of a constitutional court and banning the armed forces from meddling in political and economic activities. Furthermore, he asked for early parliamentary and presidential elections without the interference of the Council. "Dissatisfaction with the performance of the government is very high," he indicated, saying three policies were responsible for the worsening crises and growing popular discontent.  The first, is the arbitrary exercise of power, while the second is a "propaganda that everywhere is worse or at least similar to Iran, therefore everyone should be quiet and grateful." As for the third policy, Ahmadinejad believes it is "lack of transparency on important affairs." The former president criticized Khamenei, wondering how one could remain silent after knowing of the discrimination and injustice of some departments, especially the judiciary, and the harsh treatment of some groups and youth for protesting or opposing certain individuals or behaviors. Meanwhile, reformist political activist Mostafa Tajzadeh accused the top official of the Iranian regime of fighting corruption with "words without taking any actions." Reformist and a former official of the Khatami administration, Mostafa Tajzadeh, also sent an open letter to the president of “Justice and Transparency Watch” conservative Ahmad Tavakkoli in response to a speech he had made on the roots of corruption. In his letter, Tajzadeh indirectly described Irans top religious leader as a "dictator". Despite their differences, the letters of Tajzadeh and Ahmadinejads showed converging viewpoints between the former president and reformists on the "corruption" of the Iranian judiciary and Khameneis influence over the countrys current situation. Tajzadeh said Khamenei was fighting corruption "not by actions, but by words." He said that institutions and officials assigned by him - such as IRGCs involvement in economic affairs – were contributing to corruption. He also accused Khamenei associates of exerting great efforts to block the Internet.

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