Iran Focus: Sebzevar, Iran, May 17 – From the Grapevine… The authorities in Iran have established an ad-hoc group called “Headquarters on the Passing of the Imam [Khomeini],” in various provinces in Iran.
Iran Focus
Sebzevar, Iran, May 17 – From the Grapevine…
The authorities in Iran have established an ad-hoc group called “Headquarters on the Passing of the Imam [Khomeini],” in various provinces in Iran. The Headquarters has put the resources of provinces and cities across the country at the disposal of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) for events marking the anniversary of Khomeini’s death in 1989.
One official involved in the planning of events, Ali Akbar Delbari, commander of the para-military Bassij in the northern city of Sabzevar, has already said that two million people will be dispatched to Tehran to attend the events.
Delbari acknowledged that continued anti-government protests despite an unprecedented crackdown have rattled the regime. “Last year, the state faced a major test and endured painful and heart-wrenching suffering and difficulties,” he said
He also complained about continuing protests, which in his words had “demoralised the Bassij forces,” adding, “Given the conspiracies of the past year, those involved are intent on undermining the national occasion to honour the passing of the Imam and want to create a negative environment against us.”
