Iran’s Corrupt Elite: Double Standards Abound

In Iran, corruption is not just a moral issue, but a political one that has been woven into the fabric of the country’s authoritarian regime. While the government claims to be fighting corruption, its actions reveal a stark double standard, where those close to power are shielded from accountability while opponents are targeted.

The Supreme Leader’s Influence

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s influence is at the heart of this problem. He has granted privileges and immunity to his loyalists, allowing them to engage in corrupt practices with impunity. Meanwhile, those who dare to question or challenge the status quo are subjected to harassment, arrest, and even imprisonment.

Examples of Double Standards

• Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former military officer and current speaker of parliament, has never faced prosecution despite repeated accusations of corruption, including embezzlement and real estate fraud.
• Journalists who investigate and expose corruption have been silenced or punished, while those close to power remain untouched.

The Regime’s Weaponization of Anti-Corruption Efforts

The regime uses anti-corruption efforts as a means to pressure its opponents. Examples include:

• The trial of entrepreneur Fazel Khodadad in the 1990s, which was used to pressure President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s government.
• Recent targeted actions against Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri’s brother and Hassan Rouhani’s presidential adviser, Ali Younesi.

The Politics of Corruption in Iran

The regime’s reliance on patronage and privileges has created a culture of dependency among its supporters. The loss of petrodollars due to US sanctions has led to the “privatization” of public properties, further exacerbating corruption.

• The Committee for Revitalization, tasked with overseeing this process, enjoys immunity from prosecution, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
• The increased covert trade with China, facilitated by the Iranian-Chinese 25-Year Cooperation Program, also introduces new sources of corruption.

The Contradiction Between Propaganda and Reality

The regime’s propaganda emphasizes Islamic values such as altruism and asceticism, which is starkly at odds with its corrupt practices. This contradiction has eroded public trust in the government and its officials.

Conclusion

As Iran’s political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen whether the regime will address these challenges through real reforms or continue to double down on the status quo. One thing is certain: the people of Iran deserve better than a system that rewards corruption and impunity.