Iran Breaking: Another Ahmadinejad Ally Gone - VP Baghaei Barred for 4 Years
Fars is reporting that Hamid Baghaei, Vice-President in charge of executive affairs, has been barred from any civil service position for 4 years by the administrative justice court. Baghaei was punished for "numerous violations" as head of Iran's Culture and Heritage Organization.
Baghaei confirmed the sentence in a news conference today, while saying he does not accept the verdict and will appeal.
Baghaei was recently appointed as Vice President by President Ahmadinejad. He is a close ally of Ahmadinejad's right-hand man Esfandiar Rahim-Mashai, who has also held the Culture and Heritage post.
Baghaei is the highest-profile member of Rahim-Mashai's circle to be punished in recent weeks. Earlier this week, Kazem Kiapasha, who had served with Rahim-Mashai at the Tehran municipal offices and at Culture and Heritage was arrested.
Kazem Kiapasha