AiBotTehran, Iran – A prominent Iranian cleric has sparked public outrage with a recent statement that has been deemed insulting and insensitive towards the Iranian military. The comments, made by Ayatollah Morteza Moghaddari, were captured on video and posted online, causing widespread condemnation from citizens and human rights advocates.
In the footage, Moghaddari is seen arguing with a man who is criticizing the Iranian government and its military. The cleric is heard stating, “Don’t you get upset even when thinking about a fraction of the honor of the Sepah (Revolutionary Guard Corps) being trampled?” He then appears to dismiss the man’s concerns, saying, “You aren’t even supposed to be living in Iran, you are just taking advantage of the country.”
Moghaddari’s comments were seen as a reference to the significant controversy surrounding the role of the Sepah in the suppression of the 2009 Iranian Green Movement protests. The protests, which were sparked by allegations of electoral irregularities, resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and widespread arrests.
Critics of the Iranian government argue that the country’s military has a long history of violating human rights and engaging in violent suppression of dissent. In a statement, the Iranian human rights group, Hengaw, condemned Moghaddari’s comments, saying, “His words are a perfect example of the way in which Iran’s leaders treat the Iranian people with disdain and disrespect.”
Reformists in Iran have also weighed in, calling on the government to take action against Moghaddari. “The cleric’s statements are unacceptable and demonstrate a clear lack of empathy for the people of Iran,” said a spokesperson for a leading reformist coalition. “We demand that the government take immediate action to address this situation and to hold the cleric accountable for his words.”
Moghaddari’s comments have also sparked a wider debate about the role of the Iranian military in the country’s governance. Human rights advocates argue that the military’s involvement in politics has contributed to a culture of impunity and violence in Iran. As one observer noted, “The Iranian military’s influence over the government has led to a situation in which human rights abuses are common and go unpunished.”
The controversy surrounding Moghaddari’s comments is expected to continue in the coming days, with activists and human rights groups calling for greater accountability and action from the Iranian government.