Ahmadinejad sues senior religious leader

The office of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sued a senior religious leader, or Ayatollah, over "insulting remarks" against the president, Fars news agency reported Sunday.

The office of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sued a senior religious leader, or Ayatollah, over "insulting remarks" against the president, Fars news agency reported Sunday.

HT Image

An informed source told Fars that after "insulting remarks" by Ayatollah Youssef Sanei against the president, the legal department of the presidential office has filed a complaint at the special clergy court.

Grand Ayatollah Sanei, 72, is one of the most senior clerics of the country who has been critical of Ahmadinejad and on several times openly voiced this criticism.

The Ayatollah had reportedly said in a meeting last month that punishment for those who kill Muslims would be "eternal hell" and while supporting opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi, condemned the violent approach against protestors and trials against dissidents.

The opposition has accused the government of fraud in the June 12 presidential election and not yet acknowledged Ahmadinejad's re-election.