One day after his release from prison, Hossein Loqmanian, an Iranian MP received a hero's welcome Wednesday by his colleagues when he arrived in the (Majlis), or parliament. They gave him a standing ovation, with one MP putting a wreath around his neck, which Loqmanian dedicated to Mehdi Karroubi. But, the parliament speaker returned the favor and gave the wreath back.
Loqmanian was immediately given the podium to thank all those who helped with his release from jail on Tuesday, following a pardon granted by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "I thank the great Iranian nation, Majlis representatives of freedom, revered parliament speaker, brave students, journalists... and the people of Hamedan (his constituency)...,” he said.
"I feel obliged to sincerely thank my dear brothers, Akbar Ganji and Emadeddin Baqi, whom I had the pleasure of becoming a cellmate with during my two-week imprisonment," Loqmanian said, referring to the two journalists, who hav! e been serving their jail terms on an array of charges. "They generously hosted this worthless creature during the imprisonment. I pray to God to expedite their release," he added.
The MP was held in custody after he criticized the performance of the conservatives-dominated judiciary. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
