Rafsanjani calls for Ganji's release

Tehran Times:

July 30, 2005

TEHRAN – Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Thursday called for the release of jailed journalist Akbar Ganji.

"I regret what is happening. This question can be resolved," Rafsanjani told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting on the First National Assembly of the Youth. "I have spoken with Ayatollah Mahmud Hashemi Shahrudi (Judiciary chief) and made some proposals for rectifying the problem and I hope it will come to be," Rafsanjani said.

Addressing the First National Assembly on the Youth, Rafsanjani also said that the young people should move in line with national and reformist values.

He called on the assembly to find a journal that would raise people’s knowledge by publishing transparent and accurate information.

The EC chairman also proposed that the assembly appoint advisors in governmental centers around the country.

Rafsanjani said that he would certainly assist president-elect Mahmud Ahmadinejad in his new post.

“Everyone with any post has to help the president,” he noted.

Rafsanjani called the 20-Year Outlook Plan, a plan for the youth, adding it should be enhanced and implemented by the country’s young people.

“In fact, the spirit of the 20-Year Outlook Plan is for the youth to get involved in various decision-makings,” he observed.