Criticism of Supreme Leader

A member of the Assembly of Experts – which is responsible for monitoring the work of the supreme leader - called for an emergency meeting of the assembly’s members to discuss the supreme leader’s qualifications. 

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Mohammad Dastgheib, who represents the people of Shiraz in the Assembly of Experts, released a statement discussing current conditions in the country and arguing that the Constitution was not properly implemented during the presidential election and post-election events, and calling for an emergency meeting of the assembly’s members. 

This member of the Assembly of Experts warned other members of the assembly “to hold a public session to maintain the clergy’s respect before it is too late, examine the issues and respond to the public’s request, which is the implementation of the Constitution, and investigate their complaints voiced through their representatives, meaning Mr. Mousavi and Mr. Karoubi.” 

Former Lawmakers’ Request

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Mohammad Dastgheib’s statement was released while dozens of former lawmakers, including many from previous Majlis sessions, released an open letter addressed to the Assembly of Experts chairman demanding a similar request. 

In their letter, which is address to Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former lawmakers blame the supreme leader for the fraudulent presidential election, writing to the Assembly of Experts chairman, “In the Islamic Republic of Iran’s system, not only is the supreme leader not excused from responsibility, but in fact, according to the Constitution, in addition to being equal with other members of the society by law, the supreme leader is responsible for all acts emanating from his position.”

In the main part of their letter, the former lawmakers called for an emergency meeting of the Assembly of Experts members, emphasizing, “Examining the performance and actions of the police, military and judiciary in recent events is of utmost importance.  Such examinations pave the way for the return of public trust and preservation of the Islamic Republic regime and Constitution.” 

Discussing the above-referenced issues in further detail, the former lawmakers remind the Assembly of Experts chairman, “Based on the legal analysis of the criteria referenced in Article 111 of the Constitution, we expect that you undertake the necessary measures in accordance with your legal duties.”

According to Article 111 of the Constitution, “Whenever the Leader becomes incapable of fulfilling his constitutional duties, or lobs one of the qualifications mentioned in Articles 5 and 109, or it becomes known that he did not possess some of the qualifications initially, he will be dismissed. The authority of determination in this matter is vested with the experts specified in Article 108.”

The same constitutional article also clarifies the process for the supreme leader’s removal: “In the event of the death, or resignation or dismissal of the Leader, the experts shall take steps within the shortest possible time for the appointment of the new Leader.”