02.2000 - Source: NetIran

NetIran: Oldest political clerical group ("Parties in Iran") [#10625],  [ID 8318]

"Jame'e Rouhaniyate Mobarez (MCA) is perhaps the oldest political clerical group since the 1979 victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The MCA leads the conservatives and conservative groups coordinate their political behavior and policies with the views and decisions of the Association.

Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani is MCA Secretary General and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, Hassan Rowhani, Mohammad Emami Kashani (former member of the Council of Guardians and substitute leader of Tehran Friday prayers), Mohammad Yazdi (former head of the Judiciary), Seyed Reza Taqavi (head of the Islamic Guidance Commission of the 5th Majlis and MCA spokesman), Ahmad Jannati (substitute leader of Tehran Friday prayers), and Qorbanali Dorri Najafabadi (former information-inteligence-minister) are among prominent members of this group.

Contrary to other groups and parties, the MCA does not publish any newspaper or magazine and has not obtained permit from the Interior Minister for political activities. The MCA was among major supporters of Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri (Khatami's main rival) in the May 23, 1997 Presidential elections. During the impeachment of Islamic Culture and Guidance Minister Ataollah Mohajerani and former Interior Minister Abdullah Nouri, MCA advocates were among the main opponents (of Mohajerani and Nouri)."

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