Media: Iran president fires Intelligence Ministry officials critical of election crackdown

Media: Iran purges Intelligence Ministry officials

TEHRAN, Iran —Iranian media say President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has fired at least four senior Intelligence Ministry figures in a purge targeting officials who disagree with the crackdown on the opposition after disputed elections.

Hasan Younesi, son of former intelligence minister Ali Younesi, says on his Web site that four deputy ministers were removed because they didn’t support allegations reformists plotted a “velvet revolution.”

Several news Web sites, including one close to conservatives, Khabaronline, also report the dismissals.

A conservative lawmaker, Ahmad Avai, is quoted in newspapers as saying parliament may investigate the dismissals.

Earlier this month, Ahmadinejad removed his Intelligence Minister Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi.