Another Iranian Official Summoned Over Controversial Videos
A member of the City Council of Bandar Anzali in northern Iran has been summoned after the release of two videos allegedly showing him engaged in illicit activities.
The videos depict a man resembling Mohammad Safari smoking opium and masturbating.
The distinguished reciter of the Quran denied being the person identified in the videos. Nevertheless, a Telegram channel that circulated the videos warned of releasing additional footage if he continues to deny the authenticity of the images.
In the first video, two individuals can be seen smoking opium naked, while the second video shows one person lying down, seemingly rubbing his genitals while watching images on a mobile phone.
As of now, there has been no official reaction from authorities or provincial officials regarding these videos. Iran International cannot independently verify the authenticity of the videos, but there have been past instances involving figures linked to the Islamic Republic.
These latest videos emerged shortly after the dismissal of Reza Seqati, the Director General of Gilan Culture Ministry Department, over a separate video showing him allegedly having sex with a young boy.
Another notable example is Saeed Tousi, a renowned Quran reciter and confidant of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Despite numerous complaints and testimonies of sexual assault against his students, Tousi was acquitted.
Over the last two decades, various members of City Councils in different provinces have faced dismissal due to corruption allegations.
