Judicial Proceedings and Counterclaims
Majid Ansari, the head of the Institute for the Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works, later stated that when Ebrahim Yazdi reiterated the accusations, the judiciary investigated the matter. The Institute, acting as the custodian of Khomeini’s works, affirmed the authenticity of the handwriting in question. Consequently, Ebrahim Yazdi and the Freedom Movement Party were found guilty of defamation, resulting in sentences of flogging and a fine.
Nevertheless, the Freedom Movement of Iran rejected this verdict. They pointed out that during Mehdi Bazargan’s lifetime, a court session had been scheduled with the participation of forensic handwriting experts from the Shahrbani. However, due to Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini’s absence and procedural delays, the session never took place. The second trial, which occurred after Bazargan’s death, was conducted solely based on the opinion of the Institute for the Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works, raising concerns about impartiality.
Prominent figures such as Seyyed Hossein Mousavi Tabrizi and Ahmad Montazeri reinforced the allegations of forgery. They contended that several letters attributed to Ruhollah Khomeini were actually authored by Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini or Seyyed Hashem Rasouli, merely bearing Khomeini’s signature.
Mysterious Death of Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini
On March 11, 1994, Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini was reportedly hospitalized due to a sudden cardiac and respiratory condition. According to official accounts, his heart and breathing momentarily stopped while he was asleep, resulting in a stroke. Despite five days of intensive medical intervention, he passed away on March 15, 1994.
Possibility of Murder
His unexpected death sparked widespread speculation, particularly after a series of politically motivated murders in Iran, known as the “serial killings,” came to light in 1998. During a student discussion session in Isfahan, media figure Emad al-Din Baghi claimed that Seyyed Hassan Khomeini had privately informed him that Mohammad Niazi, head of the Armed Forces Court, had disclosed a shocking revelation: the perpetrators of the serial murders had allegedly confessed that Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini was among their victims.
However, Mohammad Niazi denied making such a statement, and Baghi faced legal prosecution for spreading false information. In a letter, Seyyed Hassan Khomeini later confirmed Baghi’s assertion, adding further intrigue to the controversy.