Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – April 16, 1982

From early morning until ten, I studied. Mr. [Mohammad Hassan] Zorgh [Deputy Political Director of the broadcasting organization] came and spoke about the problems of the broadcasting organization and the lack of coordination of the supervisory council, and raised the possibility of resignation. I encouraged him to stay and said we would help resolve his problems. Many believe that the solution to the problems is for the heads of the three branches to be the main members of the supervisory council, so that they are aware of the country's main policies.

At eleven, I went to the University of Tehran. I delivered a sermon on social justice and a sermon regarding the new Palestinian movement, Women's Day, and the status of Hazrat Zahra (SA). Mr. Fakhreddin Hejazi [Tehran representative] spoke before me and attacked Ayatollah Seyyed Kazem Shariatmadari, the liberals, and the Freedom Movement with explicitness.

In the evening, I walked at home and did some work in the garden, and we ate some lettuce in the yard with the children.

I learned that the people of Qom, after Friday prayers, have demonstrated against Mr. Shariatmadari and occupied Dar al-Tabligh. They have cut off the telephones of his supporters. I said that they should show tolerance because there is no need for such actions. [Mr. Ahmad Abbasi] the son-in-law of Mr. Shariatmadari has been arrested in connection with the Qotbzadeh coup.

Mr. [Mohammad] Gharazi, the Minister of Oil, came to the house and consulted about how to deal with the Pakistani economic delegation. I said that we cannot give them privileges like Syria, but treat them well. He also gave news about the oil situation. Ahmad Agha came and we talked about the Qom people's demonstrations against Mr. Shariatmadari and the need to prevent extremism. Ayatollah Akhvan Mar'ashi called from Mashhad and emphasized the need to respect Mr. Shariatmadari.