Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Islamic Republic for eight years in row, had a great role is victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution on 1979. He was always one of the aides and supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini. Currently he is under high pressure from hard liner politicians over his comments and views on Islamic Republic.
Recently Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, has criticized Rafsanjani. He didn’t mention to the name of Rafsanjani directly but it was obvious that Mohammad Reza Naqdi was pointing to Rafsanjani. “Unfortunately several politicians are abusing their roles in Revolution. They commit crimes against the foundation and leader of Islamic Republic so they cannot be the messenger of changes in our country.”
“These figures have created several political parties in cooperation with their comrades to keep their influence in government and the whole system of Islamic Republic. Their main slogan is Changes but they are looking for other goals and intentions.” Brigadier General Naqdi said during a meeting with a number of Basij forces in Tehran.
He also censured the stances of Western presidents against Islamic Republic in 2009 and 2010. “In that sedition all the presidents of Western countries talked against Islamic Republic and fueled the protests inside the country. They tried to form new coalitions and parties against Iranian government but Basij and IRGC forces were powerful enough to rescue Iran.” Naqdi concluded.
During the massive protests against the establishment of Islamic Republic which happened after Iran’s 2009 presidential election, the members of Basij and IRGC acted pivotal role to repress street riots.