Iran judiciary lashes out at president

TEHRAN - The Associated Press

The head of Iran’s judiciary has lashed out at the country’s president and again denied a request by him to visit Evin prison where his top media advisor is serving time.

The head of the judiciary branch, Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, said permission from his office was needed to visit Evin prison, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad angrily rejected that. Larijani retorted Oct. 24 that the president does not understand his constitutional powers.

On Oct. 22, Ahmadinejad sent a letter accusing the judiciary of “unconstitutional” behavior for rejecting his planned visit to Evin prison. As the country’s elected president, he said he did not need permission. Larijani returned the fire.

“(Ahmadinejad’s) letter is the result of incorrect understanding of the responsibilities of the three branches of

power and the limits of duties,” Larijani said. Addressing judicial authorities, Larijani said Ahmadinejad does not control the judiciary.

“It is unconstitutional to claim that the president has the right to visit prisons without permission from the judiciary.” The three branches of power operate under the supervision of Khamanei, who has the final say on all state matters.