Judiciary Denies Arrest of Tehran Mayor's Son

The spokesperson for Iran's judiciary strongly denied reports about the arrest of Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam, former commander of the police force, his son, and the son of Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the mayor of Tehran. According to ISNA news agency, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated on Tuesday, June 4, that he saw this claim on some websites, which are mostly anti-revolutionary, and that it is completely false, adding that those who spread these rumors can be prosecuted. He emphasized that there has been 'absolutely no investigation' into Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam and that the rumors regarding this matter are 'strongly denied.' The website Khabar Online, close to Mir Hossein Mousavi, reported on Tuesday, May 29, that the reason for Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam's dismissal was the discovery of a financial corruption case amounting to 1.2 trillion tomans in the Police Cooperative Foundation, and mentioned the arrest of 'one of the family members' of Mr. Ahmadi Moghaddam. According to this website, there are also 'whispers' regarding the 'connection' of Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf with this case, and 'traces of several IRGC generals, most of whom were transferred to the police during Qalibaf's command and some of whom went to the municipality with Qalibaf, are also visible in this case.' Meanwhile, Reza Alijani, a national-religious activist, reported in an interview with Radio Farda that in 'political-media circles in Tehran,' the 'arrest' of Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf's son is being discussed in relation to this case and his 'escape to Abu Dhabi' after being released on bail. Mr. Alijani also mentioned that 'Mr. Ejei's son is also said to be involved in this case and is on the run, and his brother's son was in prison but is being released, and there are rumors that they have fled to Abu Dhabi.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, appointed Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari as the commander of the Iranian police on Tuesday, March 9, 2015. This comes as reports indicate that Mr. Ahmadi Moghaddam's presidency over the police was extended for another year in June 2014.