TEHRAN Three Majlis deputies strongly supported a bill tabled by the Interior Ministry that asks that political crimes committed by politicians must be tried in open court.
But one deputy suggests that such a bill could have been presented by the Judiciary, not the Interior Ministry. Talking to the TEHRAN TIMES, three deputies, Abolqassem Abedinipour, Mohammad Shahi Arabloo and Mohammad Kazemi, supported the bill that was presented by the Interior Ministry in the Majlis on Sept. 24. Abedini admitted that there is no specific definition of political crimes in Iran, suggesting that after shutting out the political outcry, we should write a definition of political crimes.
"A crystal clear definition of a political crime' would solve many problems. Charges against those who are accused of committing such a crime or are now in prison will be made clear for them and the people," said Abedini. "If the bill is approved by the Majlis, it will be really fine and many ambiguities existing in the society will be removed." "With the excuse of national security, some officials keep everything behind the scenes and create confusion in society," said Abedini, representative of Torbat Heidarieh, adding that if this bill becomes law, it will have a positive impact on society.
Commenting on the same issue, Arabloo of Hashtroud said, "I support the bill, but at the same time I oppose it as it was presented by the Interior Ministry. According to articles 158 and 160 of the Constitution, such a bill should be presented by the Judiciary. I am surprised that the Interior Minister Mousavi Lari simply ignored these two articles of the Constitution." Kazemi of Malayer believes that in the present situation of the country those who are accused of political crimes want to have it made clear whether or not they have actually committed any crime.
In case of an open trial, common people would be able to determine whether or not the charges are backed by specific evidence.