Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, the deputy security and law enforcement minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, today in a press conference at the Ministry of Interior, explained the details of the plans for holding the farewell ceremony and burial of the holy body of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Ummah. Referring to the measures taken by the leadership and coordination with the Sharif House of His Holiness, he said that this ceremony will be carried out based on the planning of the Supreme National Security Council and with the opinion of the House of Leadership.
Mr. Pourjamshidian added that the government has decided to form a national headquarters for this ceremony, centered on the first vice president and the secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and all government institutions should participate in it.
He further announced the formation of various committees to hold this event as grandly as possible and said: The support, executive, university, security, infrastructure, cultural and media committees, as well as the international affairs committee, are responsible for the planning and implementation of this huge ceremony in the cities of Tehran, Qom, Mashhad and also in Iraq.
Referring to the formation of headquarters headed by the governors of the three provinces of Tehran, Qom and Khorasan Razavi, the Deputy Interior Minister of Iran stated that these headquarters have started their work and are proceeding with a national and global perspective. He also announced the formation of headquarters in all provinces of the country to facilitate people’s attendance at one of the ceremonies in Tehran, Qom or Mashhad.
Pourjamshidian enumerated the objectives of this ceremony as follows:
First, declaring Iran’s proud power and authority to the world; Secondly, the demonstration of national unity and cohesion among political and religious groups with the focus of the Islamic jurisprudence, and thirdly, the consolidation of the unity of the Islamic Ummah. He called the ceremony “In honor of Mr. Martyr of Iran”, which represents the increasing power of Iran.
He also said about the large international presence: a considerable number of heads of Islamic and non-Islamic countries and neighbors have announced their readiness to attend this ceremony. More than 30 countries requested to attend, and more than 90 countries among the heads of religions, scholars and scientists of the Islamic and even non-Islamic worlds have declared their readiness to participate in this event.
The Secretary of the National Staff of Funeral and Farewell Rituals further announced that a ceremony will be held on Friday (July 12) as an “official tribute ceremony” for religious leaders, officials and elders in Tehran and added that the main funeral ceremony of the martyred leader’s pure body will be held on July 15 in Tehran. The funeral route is planned from east to west of Tehran, from Damavand Street to Imam Hossein (PBUH) Square, Revolution Square, Azadi Square and Shahid Lashkari Highway.
Emphasizing the popular nature of this ceremony, he pointed out that the role of popular organizations, Hosseini delegations, universities and labor organizations is the main axis of the movement and the government only has a supporting role.
In another part of his speech, Pourjamshidian announced the closure of several days in different provinces:
-
On the 13th and 14th of Cancer/July in Tehran Province,
-
On the 15th of Cancer/July throughout Iran,
-
On the 16th of Cancer/July in the city of Qom,
-
and the 18th of Cancer/July have been declared closed in Razavi Khorasan province to provide the necessary facilities for the maximum attendance of people.
He asked people not to use private vehicles and to participate in the ceremony on foot or by public transportation such as subway and bus (which is available 24 hours a day and free of charge). He also warned about the heat and recommended that it is necessary to bring water, an umbrella and a brimmed hat.
The Deputy Minister of Interior stressed on the health and safety of the participants and said: We ask people not to insist on getting close to the holy body and avoid crowding without results. He also requested to manage the time to attend the farewell ceremony in Tehran mosque so that all those interested can participate.
In response to reporters’ questions about prohibited items, he said: Sharp objects such as knives and scissors are prohibited and people should refrain from carrying extra items. He also emphasized that no internet restrictions will be applied during the ceremony and systems have been considered to respond to the people.
Regarding the burial place of the holy body of the martyred leader, Pourjamshidian also stated that the burial ceremony will be held peacefully and at a certain point in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) so that both brothers and sisters can visit. More details will be announced later.
Regarding the supply of fuel, he said: Necessary arrangements have been made with the Ministry of Petroleum and he asked people to fill up their cars with fuel before entering Tehran, Qom and Mashhad. He also emphasized that all participants in the ceremony are covered by insurance from the time they leave home until they return.
In the end, the Deputy Minister of Interior mentioned the flight restrictions on July 12 and the ban on the flight of drones and micro-birds (except for radio and television) and said that more than 300 foreign journalists have requested to cover this historic event and famous directors have also announced their readiness to record this event.
