Iranian cleric linked to Khamenei family faces prosecution

An Iranian cleric with ties to the family of the country’s supreme leadership has been placed under criminal prosecution following public remarks calling for a change in Iran’s system of governance.

Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi, who is related to the family of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is facing legal action after publicly criticising the current political structure of the Islamic Republic.

The initiation of proceedings was confirmed by Asghar Jahangir, a spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary.

Kharrazi had earlier described the existing system as “outdated” and announced the launch of an open effort to recruit supporters to replace it with what he characterised as a stricter form of theocratic governance.

“Immediately after his recent statements, legal procedures were initiated to hold him accountable,” Jahangir said, adding that further details would be disclosed after the case is reviewed by the court.

By Tamilla Hasanova