Nategh Nouri: The Issue of House Arrest and Its Resolution is Solely Within the Authority of High Officials of the System

Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, head of the Leader's Inspection Office in Iran, stated that the decision regarding the house arrest of Zahra Rahnavard, Mir Hossein Mousavi, and Mehdi Karroubi, as well as its resolution, is solely within the authority of the 'high officials' of the system. In a meeting with some news site managers and graduate and doctoral students of political science, he responded to a question about the decision-making regarding the 'lifting of the house arrest', saying: 'The decision regarding the issue of house arrest and its lifting is solely within the authority of the high officials of the system and is determined based on national interests and red lines; therefore, neither Mr. Rouhani nor anyone else has the ability to intervene and make decisions on this matter.' Political figures in the Islamic Republic of Iran refer to Ali Khamenei, the Leader of Iran, as 'high officials of the system' and 'one of the senior officials of the system'. Zahra Rahnavard, Mir Hossein Mousavi, and Mehdi Karroubi have been under house arrest since February 2011. During this time, human rights organizations and political figures have protested against the illegality of the 'continuation of the house arrest' of these individuals. Nategh Nouri also mentioned in this meeting: 'The leadership has repeatedly specified its red lines regarding internal issues; therefore, this issue will not be resolved by mere talk and recommendations. Rather, if the high officials deem it appropriate and recognize it, the issue will be resolved.' Hassan Rouhani had promised during the 2013 presidential election campaign that if he won, he could create conditions within a year for 'not only those under house arrest to be freed but also those imprisoned due to the events of 2009 to be released.' The promise to lift the house arrest of Mehdi Karroubi, Mir Hossein Mousavi, and Zahra Rahnavard has not been realized despite more than two years passing. Mehdi Karroubi's wife previously criticized the Ministry of Intelligence of Iran in a letter regarding its handling of the house arrest of the two candidates from the 2009 election, stating that during Hassan Rouhani's government, the 'irresponsibility' of those enforcing the house arrest has increased. Criticism of the electoral programs of 'moderate' forces Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri also criticized the electoral activities of 'reformists and moderate conservatives' for the tenth parliament. The head of the Leader's Inspection Office stated: 'I have been present in the political currents of the country from the beginning and am skilled in this work; therefore, I believe that currently neither the reformists nor the moderate conservatives have a specific program for the elections.' He added: 'Thus, this criticism is valid for the moderate political currents of the country that do not have any specific program for the elections. Meanwhile, I have heard and it is evident that some extremist and radical currents, which I do not accept, are planning to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections with more organized planning.' Nevertheless, Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri emphasized that 'I have never withdrawn from the political arena of the country,' stating: 'In the world, political figures define a lifespan for political work, and after their political career ends, they go to think tanks. In America, Carter is still utilized and is present in think tanks, but we want to keep coming back until the engine burns out, which is wrong; we must create opportunities for the presence of young people.' Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri was the head of the fifth parliament and lost the presidential election in 1997 to Mohammad Khatami.