Breaking News: Majma-eyeh Modaressin Calls Ahmadinejad Government “Illegitimate”

A group of senior religious leaders in Iran has called the disputed presidential election and the new government “illegitimate,” The New York Times reported [4 July, NYTimes.com].

Majma-eyeh Modaressin va Mohagheghin Hozeh Elmieh Qom, the Association of Scholars and Researchers of Qom Seminary, the group declaring the new government illegitimate, is the most influential Shia religious group in Iran. Their declaration will have profound effect on the political scene in the country. It will put the traditional religious establishment in Iran against the Ahmadinejad administration, casting doubts on the government’s ability to survive.

Also coming under question would be the undisputed authority of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. In his open support of Ahmadinejad after the disputed election, Khamenei broke with a twenty-year tradition of staying neutral in inter-regime disputes. The declaration of illegitimacy of Ahmadinejad administration by Majma-eyeh Modaressin severely undermines Khamemeni’s authority.

The declaration would also boost Mousavi’s stature as the leader of the opposition and the presumed winner of the presidential election.

Link to Majma-eyeh Modaressin's declaration [in Farsi]:
http://www.majmaqom.com/bayaniyeh4.html