Ex-president to sue Ahmadinejad for slander

Iran’s powerful former president today said he will sue hard-line leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for slander over remarks he made during an election debate.

In a highly-charged televised debate on Wednesday, Mr Ahmadinejad accused the former president, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, his sons and several other former top officials of corruption.

Mr Ahmadinejad is seeking re-election in Friday’s presidential vote. Mr Rafsanjani is not running.

Mr Rafsanjani said in a statement today that Ahmadinejad has trampled on the oath he has taken as president to protect the honour of all citizens.

Mr Rafsanjani’s brother, Mohammad, said the former president and his sons will file the lawsuit after the election.