Is Iran's Spiritual Leader Awash in Earthly Wealth?

LONDON (Jan. 5) -- Iran's supreme leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, likes to portray himself as a simple man of faith, interested only in spiritual -- not material -- wealth. But an exiled Iranian filmmaker says that behind this frugal front, Khamenei luxuriates in an opulent lifestyle supported by an ill-gained fortune of about $30 billion.

Celebrated director and Iranian opposition spokesman Mohsen Makhmalbaf laid out his exhaustive evidence of Khamenei's highlife on his personal Web site (a translated version can be read here), after interviewing ex-Intelligence Ministry officials and former Khamenei household employees who have fled abroad.

His sources say that since the early 1980s -- Khamenei was president from 1981 to '89 -- the supreme leader has gained control of the Iranian economy by granting key positions to family members and close allies. His brother Hassan, for example, oversees the Oil Ministry, a brother-in-law has a monopoly on imports of Sony electrical equipment, and the father of one of his daughters-in-law handles the state's land sales.

Well, Iran has progressed this far: they went from KHOmeini, to KHAmeini. THat’s something.Isn’t it?

:-) that's too funny. For many Iranians, it is pathetic.

Reading some Iranians, especially living in the UK, U.S. or generally outside Iran, who still have fantasies about a reformist version of IRI, under the pretext that most Iranians are Muslims, hence we have to respect their Muslim wishes for gov't & society, yet complain about human rights violations, but claim IRI is not properly interpreting the Koran & Sharia laws, particulary for women & "infidels", is nauseating.

Heard of "chop chop Square" in Saudi Arabia for example?

News Flash: IRI is adhering to all its Human Rights & political obligations of "defending Islam" under its constitutional mandate & interpretations of the Quran and Sharia Laws.

Interpretations of Islamic (Sharia) laws, regardless of the "moderate" muslim clerics, for Muslim countries which strictly subscribe to Sharia, have not changed for last 1400 yrs!

Do we think urging "Outsiders" such as the U.N., Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch to supervise will make a difference?

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.