Reformists Protest Against the Revolutionary Guard - 2002-07-22

In Iran, reformists in the parliament have protested against statements made by the Revolutionary Guard, which is considered a hardline institution, accusing reformist representatives of supporting efforts to overthrow the Islamic Republic regime. Over 90 reformist lawmakers have written an open letter and summoned Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani to the parliament to explain the Revolutionary Guard's behavior, which they describe as 'unacceptable interference' in the country's affairs. This action by the parliament comes a day after the Revolutionary Guard accused the reformist lawmakers of openly supporting regime change efforts that have taken to the streets and seeking to establish a non-religious regime in place of the current religious one. The Revolutionary Guard has warned that it will not remain idle but will defend the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic government. Reformist leaders have responded sharply to these statements. Mohammad Reza Khatami, leader of the Islamic Participation Front, has accused a minority among the commanders of the Revolutionary Guard of trying to diminish its military effectiveness by turning it into a political party. Rejabali Mazrouei, a reformist lawyer from Isfahan, stated that the Revolutionary Guard intervenes in political matters in favor of conservatives. He deemed the actions of the Revolutionary Guard illegal, irresponsible, and detrimental to the country's interests. Another reformist representative, Mr. Reza Yousufian, a lawyer from Shiraz, said that in Iran, just like in all other countries, soldiers are legally prohibited from interfering in politics.