Difference of opinion not crime in Iran

Tehran’s interim Friday Prayers leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Khatami says a strong Iran has no fear of the opposition and will firmly stand in front of them.

“If a person targets the principles of the Islamic establishment, a strong Iran will decisively and firmly defend itself,” Khatami said.

“The Islamic establishment is not opposed to the expression of different opinions and in the Islamic system difference of opinion is not a crime,” said the cleric, who is a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts.

Khatami added that like any other country the Islamic Republic would not remain silent in the face the acts of overthrowers.

He stressed the importance of reinforcing unity in the country based on the Islamic establishment and the Constitution

“No one doubts that unity is an absolute necessity for our Islamic country and that discord and lack of unity will only lead to destruction,” he said.