Words of Truth, Vol. I, 1927

When I was attorney general in Khorramabad, there were two brothers who were wealthy merchants. One of them died, survived by his wife and five children (4 daughters and a son). The other brother chose the two older daughters as brides for his own sons, and married the widow. The remaining two daughters and one son, who were minors, were left without protection.

Whenever I was transferred to a new post, my first priority would be to attend to any cases involving minors. That is how I became aware of this particular case. I noticed that although my predecessors had examined the file, no action had ever been taken. I activated the case and summoned the merchant, who happened to be a very influential person. When he appeared before me, he began using such flattering phrases as “your humble servant” and “your sincere and devoted friend.” After going to great lengths to show his warmth and friendliness, he said: “Your Honor, why would you waste your time reviewing this case; there is nothing wrong with the guardianship of your servant.” I replied, “Twelve years have passed since you last submitted an accounting for the minors who are under your guardianship.” “But it is unnecessary,” he replied, “for my brother’s widow is now my wife, two of his daughters are my daughters-in-law, and the others are like my own children. But I will certainly comply with your request and bring you an accounting tomorrow.”

When he came back the following day, he put a large envelope full of cash on the table. I asked: “What is this?” He lowered his head and replied, “Your Honor, it is nothing but a small gift, and there is no one here but you and me.” “You are mistaken,” I said, “there is someone else here, and that is God.” Then I realized why this case had remained dormant until now. As for the merchant, he used every bit of his influence and knocked on every door; I was even admonished by the Ministry of Justice, but I remained steadfast in my decision and continued to request an accounting. Finally, I warned him that if he did not comply with my request within 24 hours, I would have him imprisoned. When he realized he had run out of options, he asked that we send a few impartial individuals to review the paperwork. I sent four trustworthy clerks, and it took them a month to review the books. The fortune he had gathered through the orphans’ inheritance was astronomical (and that was only what they had succeeded in counting). I immediately revoked his guardianship and returned everything to the minors. God only knows how much of their inheritance he had already spent.

In my opinion, an official who accepts a bribe to manipulate an outcome commits a greater transgression than one who solicits a bribe.

Words of Truth, Vol. I, 1933

In Kerman there were two prominent and very influential families, the “D’s” and the “Z’s.” During the time that I presided over the courts in that province, the “D’s” set fire to one of the “Z’s” orchards. A complaint was filed with the court. The “D’s” paid a bribe of 24,000 tomans to the examining magistrate to clear the “D’s” based on “insufficient evidence.” The “Z’s” appealed the ruling and the case was brought before me. Since the evidence supporting their appeal was quite strong, I reversed the magistrate’s ruling and reopened the case for further examination.

On the day of the hearing, there were so many members from both clans protesting in court that my assistants were frightened. Consequently, I told them I would personally handle the case. Realizing it was not a propitious time to issue the Court’s ruling [after the hearing was completed], I postponed the verdict until the following day.

That same evening, a man came to see me and said, “The “D’s” have sent me to tell you that they paid the examining magistrate 24,000 tomans and are willing to pay you twice as much if you sustain the magistrate’s ruling. They also told me to warn you that should you refuse their offer, they not only have friends in high places within the Ministry of Justice, but they can also use more severe means here and now.” I replied, “Tell them I am not afraid of them or the Ministry, and that they can do whatever they please. I will render a verdict that I consider to be fair.” After the man left, several individuals appeared on behalf of the “Z’s” and said, “We are aware of what you told the ‘D’s.’ We will pay you even more if you render a just verdict.” I sent them away as well. Later on, I learned that the police chief, worried for my safety, had posted guards around my house the entire night without my knowledge.

When I arrived at the courthouse the next day, I found a huge, menacing crowd from both sides. I cast my verdict and annulled the magistrate’s ruling, and they were not able to do anything about it. They did, however, succeed in embarrassing the examining magistrate by demanding [publicly] that he repay their bribe.