Following the disclosure of financial documents from the charity institute 'Masaf' associated with Ali Akbar Raefipour, a controversy erupted among the political factions known as 'New Principlists.' This conflict intensified after the Governor of the Central Bank reacted to the illegal publication of these documents online. Jalil Mohibi, a faculty member of the Research Center of the Parliament and a close associate of Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, called for accountability for banking officials who have neglected their duties regarding money laundering in response to the Central Bank Governor's order to investigate the matter. The documents, published in the days leading up to the second round of the parliamentary elections, reveal that over 100 billion tomans were deposited as 'public donations' into the Masaf institute's account and subsequently distributed among various individuals and companies. The Central Bank Governor emphasized the illegality of the information's disclosure and ordered an immediate investigation into the various aspects of the matter, warning that if it is proven that this information was sent by the banking network, those responsible will face consequences. The second round of the twelfth parliamentary elections in Tehran was held with an '8% voter turnout' and representatives entering the parliament with a 'notable vote.' In this regard, the website 'Alif' belonging to Ahmad Tavakoli, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council of the Islamic Republic, has warned about the political future of the country. On Saturday, May 22, the Farhikhtegan newspaper reported that unofficial statistics indicated an '8% participation rate in Tehran,' thus 'the representatives who entered the parliament did so with a noteworthy vote.' The Ministry of Interior's election headquarters announced that the total votes in the electoral district of 'Tehran, Shemiranat, Islamshahr, and Pardis' exceeded 522,000 votes. According to this headquarters, Bijan Nobaveh, a member of the Stability Front, secured the highest number of votes among the 16 representatives from Tehran with approximately 271,000 votes. The second round of the parliamentary elections was held under conditions where Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, stated that 'there is no difference between the first and second rounds of elections,' asserting that 'the importance of the second round is not less than that of the first, and the people should complete the parliament with their participation in this round of elections.'
Virtual Conflict Among 'New Principlists' Over Disclosure of Financial Documents of Raefipour's Institute Intensifies
A conflict has arisen among the 'New Principlists' in Iran over the illegal disclosure of financial documents related to Ali Akbar Raefipour's charity, Masaf. The Central Bank Governor has ordered an investigation into the matter, highlighting concerns over money laundering and the integrity of the banking system. This controversy comes in the context of low voter turnout in recent elections, raising questions about the legitimacy of the political process.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A controversy erupted among Iran's 'New Principlists' following the illegal disclosure of financial documents from Ali Akbar Raefipour's Masaf Institute. The Central Bank Governor has ordered an investigation into the matter, amid accusations of money laundering and banking negligence.
- Financial documents from Masaf Institute were leaked, showing over 100 billion tomans in public donations.
- The controversy coincides with low voter turnout in Tehran's parliamentary elections, raising questions about political legitimacy.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The 'New Principlists' are a conservative faction in Iran, often involved in power struggles within the political elite. Financial transparency and electoral legitimacy are ongoing issues in Iran.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%