Ahmadinejad demands an end to the arrests of his associates

PanARMENIAN.Net - The corresponding statement was made the Iranian president during a press conference on Wednesday, reports Agence France-Presse citing IRNA.

“The Cabinet of Ministers is at the forefront, and if he will touch it, my duty is to stand in his defense,” – said Ahmadinejad. His statement Iranian President made after it became aware of the detention of a number of fellow heads of his administration Esfandyara Rahim Mashei (Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei).

In particular, this past Thursday, June 23, was arrested former Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Sharif Malekzade (Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh). Shortly before his arrest, he was forced to resign, as against his appointment to the diplomatic service were conservative members of parliament – the Majlis. It was reported that if Malekzade will be fired, impeachment proceedings will be initiated against his boss – the Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi. About Malekzade know that he is an advisor to Ahmadinejad, as well as the approximate Mashei. At the time of his appointment as deputy, he was already a defendant in a criminal case. Later, as reported by AFP, were placed into custody two other companions Mashei that the government of Ahmadinejad dealing with trade issues.

On the detention of the Iranian president approached it became known in early May. According to some reports, the number of prisoners reached up to 25 people. Analysts attribute the campaign against supporters of Ahmadinejad with his conflict with the supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei on the side are the conservatives who believe that Ahmazhinedzhad against Iran foundations of statehood, and the chief conspirator they call Mashei. Despite the obvious differences, Khamenei and Ahmadinejad, have repeatedly stated that there is no any friction between them. On Monday, June 27, the supreme leader appealed to justice, but also to the press with a request not to publish the names of public officials who are in custody.