Hosseyn Fereydoun, Assistant and Brother of Hassan Rouhani, Arrested

Iran's state television news network reported an urgent news item citing the spokesperson of the judiciary, announcing the arrest of Hosseyn Fereydoun, assistant and brother of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i made this announcement during a press conference on Sunday, July 16. According to Mohseni Eje'i, Hosseyn Fereydoun was unable to provide the necessary bail on Saturday evening, which led to his introduction to prison. He added that there is no plan for his 'temporary detention' and that he would be released if he could secure bail. The Khabar Online website reported that Hosseyn Fereydoun is in the custody of the IRGC's intelligence organization. The judiciary spokesperson described the charges against Hosseyn Fereydoun as related to 'financial issues' and stated that this matter is 'not related to bank debts.' Eje'i also mentioned that 'several investigations have been conducted regarding the brother of the Iranian president, and some individuals connected to him have been investigated, with some being detained.' Allegations of financial misconduct against Hosseyn Fereydoun have been raised by media and principlist figures for the past two years, peaking during the 12th presidential election campaign. During the third debate among candidates, Ebrahim Raisi, Hassan Rouhani's rival, addressed him, saying: 'Mr. Rouhani, you know me; I do not speak empty words; this issue of corruption among your associates was discussed by the First Deputy of the Judiciary and the Attorney General in your office, and complete documents and evidence were provided to you that the closest person to you is facing millions in problems.' He advised Rouhani, 'If I were you, I would facilitate legal action; it was said that if this is not done now or is questioned, it is not compatible with the spirit of someone who is the head of the government.' Several principlist members of parliament have accused Hosseyn Fereydoun of having connections with Rasoul Daniyalzadeh, an individual reported by some news websites in Iran to be a major bank debtor who was arrested on January 15, 2017. On February 1 of last year, Akbar Ranjbarzadeh, a member of the parliamentary board, announced that Hosseyn Fereydoun had protested in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament against the accusations attributed to him by some members of parliament. On January 5, 46 principlist representatives accused Fereydoun of 'economic corruption' in a letter and requested Hassan Rouhani to introduce his brother to the judiciary.