Attack on MP Motahari outrageous: Rafsanjani

State Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has described a recent physical attack against an outspoken MP an “outrageous incident” and against the interests of the Islamic establishment.

Referring to the real and legal personality of MP Ali Motahari, the chairman said as a citizen and a member of parliament, he has the right to express his views. Rafsanjani deeply regretted the way the moderate MP had been treated. “Regrettably, people who have committed the act claim to be religious and revolutionary,” Rafsanjani said.

Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament said Sunday that 110 MPs have signed a letter to the judiciary chief expressing support for their colleague who was attacked last Monday by unknown people.

Iraj Abdi told IRNA that in their letter, the lawmakers have called on the judiciary chief to strongly respond to such self-motivated moves.

Motahari, a moderate member of parliament, was due to deliver a speech at Shiraz University in central Iran when his car was attacked by unknown motorcyclists.

He is a member of parliament from Tehran and a vocal critic of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for allegedly bringing the enemies of the country together to deal a major blow to the nation by orchestrating sanctions.