Hamid Rahbarifar's Dismissal for Fake Evidence: Organizations' Silence and Unanswered Questions

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In May 2024, in the silence of the news, Hamid Rahbarifar, a figure who had worked for years in sensitive positions such as the head of the IRIB Security Center and the deputy for management development of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, was fired because his educational degree was forged. The dismissal raises big questions about his long-term cooperation with former IRIB chief Ali Askari and the implications for Iran's national interests.

From Driving to Presidency: The Strange Path of a Fake Degree

Rahbarifar had been working as Ali Askari's driver since the 1990s. Afterwards, in 2002, he was appointed as the head of the office of the deputy of IRIB education, and over time, he obtained sensitive positions such as the head of Ali Askari's office, the legal director of IRIB, and the head of the security center. Even in recent years, he was the deputy director of management development of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization.

But how did a person with a fake degree manage to work in sensitive government positions for more than two decades? Evidence shows that Rahbarifar was under the direct support of Ali Askari and another individual. This support went so far that he even attended official meetings with figures such as Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

The Silence of Organizations and the Secret Dismissal

On June 6, 2024, with the issuance of Notification No. 56542/1120, Rahbarifar was dismissed for forging his educational degree. But the point to be considered is the silence of the news of the relevant organizations. IRIB and the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization did not make any official announcement about the expulsion.

This is while Rahbarifar enjoyed other foreign exchange and rial benefits during his years of activity, in addition to his official salary. For example, he was active in the Syrian media headquarters and the 2023 Hajj operation. Will the relevant organizations provide clarification about the receipts resulting from the forged certificate?

Ali Askari and Unanswered Questions

The close and long-term cooperation between Ali Askari and Rahbarifar raises serious questions about Askari's role in this story. Was Askari, who had worked with the Far leadership for more than 20 years, unaware that his degree was forged? If the answer is yes, how can a person who has been deceived by a degree forger be appointed as Iran's ambassador to important countries such as China or Russia?

On the other hand, if Askari was aware of the forgery of the document and did not take any action, is this not an example of abandonment and violation of administrative responsibilities? These questions call into question not only al-Askari's administrative image, but also his competence to assume any international responsibility.

National Implications and the Necessity of Transparency

The dismissal of Rahbarifar is not only a domestic issue; it can also have national and international implications. Rahbarifar has worked for years in sensitive positions that included access to confidential information and major decisions. Did the forgery of his degree endanger the information security of the relevant organizations?

Under the Freedom of Information Act, IRIB and the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization are obligated to provide transparency about all of Rahbarifar's receipts, from the time he was hired in 2010 until his dismissal in 2024. Also, supervisory bodies such as the Court of Auditors and the General Inspection Organization of the country must enter into this case.

Conclusion

The case of Rahbarifar is a symbol of the weakness of the supervisory and managerial system. If Iran's national interests are to be preserved, it is necessary to ensure that people with real and transparent qualifications assume major responsibilities. Any opaque appointment could damage Iran's national reputation.
This report is only the beginning of a more comprehensive investigation. It is expected that the responsible agencies will answer these questions and put transparency on their agenda.