Raefipour Detained Due to 'Identity Doubts'; His Office: 'Do Not Burn the Saudi Flag for Now'

Iranian media has reported issues with Ali Akbar Raefipour's passport during his pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, and a close associate has stated that Saudi police wish to 'take him in.' A person identified as 'Mahdavi,' who is described as Raefipour's office manager by the Telegram channel 'Urgent Important News,' claimed: 'The Saudi side is willing to take Ali Akbar Raefipour without any cooperation.' After his detention at the airport, Raefipour was transferred to the Islamic Republic's consulate. Mahdavi further claimed that the consulate has so far prevented this individual from being handed over to Saudi police and that Raefipour's passport and visa were normal and issued under his name. Meanwhile, the publication 'Payam Eghtesad' reported that 'Raefipour's detention in Saudi Arabia is not related to his statements in the holy land, but rather an issue with his passport.' Ali Akbar Raefipour, whose exact name and education are unclear, is a religious-political speaker of recent decades who enjoys open support from Iran's military and security institutions. In his speeches, Raefipour addresses controversial topics in the fields of religion, the West, and supernatural matters, which have been proven and published as falsehoods and 'distortions of reality' by several monitoring organizations, including 'Fact-Nameh.' On the other hand, Nasser Kan'ani, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry, has denied reports about Raefipour's detention in Saudi Arabia but stated: 'He faced an unspecified exit problem at Jeddah airport at the end of the pilgrimage.' Mahdavi also mentioned that Raefipour went to Saudi Arabia 'along with important figures and members of parliament' and that the Saudi side only prevented him from boarding the plane, stating that 'his image will not be verified.' He also noted that on Tuesday, July 20, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to 'personally' contact the Saudi Foreign Minister regarding this matter. This incident has sparked reactions on social media, with some users attributing it to a 'fake passport,' others to a 'false identity' or 'attempt to flee to another country,' and some to Raefipour's 'harsh statements.' Some social media users have also turned this issue into a source of written and visual humor, considering Raefipour's controversial and undocumented statements. In the meantime, Raefipour's office manager has urged 'the kids of Masaf and his supporters' to 'exercise restraint for now' and 'not to burn flags' and avoid 'creating chaos.' Raefipour also manages an organization called 'Masaf,' whose funding sources are unclear, but according to images published on the website and social media accounts of this institution, it has a wide and free range of activities from military to political and financial affairs.