TEHRAN Several thousands of people staged rallies in front of the Majlis to renew allegiance with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, while top religious scholars, political parties, and various university associations supported the Leader's decree on the press bill.
People of different walks of life rallied in front of Majlis (Parliament) from early morning here on Tuesday to show their support for an order by the Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to shelve an amendment to the Press Law.
Ralliers chanted slogans in support of the Leader's decree: "Obeying the Leader is a prerequisite for an MP. Disobeying him is tantamount to sacking an MP," shouted the protesters, according to IRNA.
"I am ready to be martyred. The Majlis has no place for "hypocrites" (a term usually used to refer to the outlawed terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO))," they said.
Reformist MPs were also derided by protestors who shouted "pro-American reformers should be expelled from Majlis" and "the students are aware and they hate traitors." Most of them carried pictures of the late Founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, and Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Talking to the TEHRAN TIMES, Ali Shakouri-Rad, a reformist MP said, "This gathering is illegal and I believe that they are receiving instructions from somewhere." He did not go into detail, but said this gathering is not sponsored by popular opinion of the people." "If reformists stage demonstration, then there will be a large number of people," he said, adding that we would not do so because first we follow law and secondly there is a possibility of clashes.' Another deputy Rajab Rahmani also talking to the TEHRAN TIMES said, "This sort of gathering is quite natural as they want to defend the Leader." "This gathering is just like the gathering of Friday prayer or Ashura, 10th day of Muharram, and such gatherings do not need official permission," Rajab Rahmani said.
Several people who were gathered in front of the Majlis talked to the TEHRAN TIMES and claimed their gathering is legal and said they want to show loyalty to the Leader.
A deputy From Nour, Ahmad Nateq Nouri, talking to the TEHRAN TIMES commenting on the decree issued by the Leader said, "The Leader is head of all three branches of the government Judiciary, Executive and Majlis and can issue decree whenever he feels its need." Deputy Mohammad Kianoush-Rad, also talked to the TEHRAN TIMES on the same issue and said, "The Leader should issue decree when the issue cannot be solved through legal channel.
Meanwhile, Interior Ministry said that the gathering was held without seeking permission from the ministry which was illegal.
The JRM (Jame'-e Rouhaniyat Mobarez) in a statement said the Leader's decree was a state decree which prevented an imminent crisis. The Society of Theologian of Qom and the High Council of Clergy Affairs thanked the Leader for his measure. Hojjatoleslam Mohammadi Araqi the head of the Islamic Propagation Organization said, the Sixth Majlis proved that it follows the Imam and the Leader of the Revolution. Hoj. Reyshahri, Leader's representative in Hajj affairs said, the Leader's decision prevented the press from going a wrong direction.
The Union of Islamic Students Associations said, the victory gained once again stressed the efficiency of the velayat-e faqih.