Is Khamenei stealing the wealth of Iran?
A number of websites and videos are presenting evidence that the lifestyle of Ayatollah Khamenei is not as simple as he pretends. Check out two of the most interesting ones here:
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=KaGfuMXBOu0[/youtube]
And here.
Is it true? Those who say he leads a simple life point to him having come from a poor background and to his great faith, but neither of these are inconsistent with having a lot of money. He may have started out poor and have great faith, but like so many leaders, he may have become corrupted by the huge powers given to him. As the Supreme Leader he controls much of the Iranian economy through the IRGC, the religious foundations and other organizations. It would not be surprising if he decided to use a small part of this to better himself and his family.
Maybe that is natural and we should not accuse him of something we might do ourselves, but there are two things that make this situation different. First, Khamenei claims to live a simple life, so it would be dishonest. Second, and much worse, the economy is Iran is in a terrible state because of bad management. In this situation, to take so much money while so many of his own people are in desperate need is no defensible. And if more economic sanctions come as a result of his decisions, will he show himself to be a great leader and give up his money to suffer alongside his people? I cannot imagine him doing so.
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The second link (“And here”) should probably go to this page, which deals specifically with Khamenei’s wealth.
I was expecting a much deeper analysis particularly when it comes to robbing 1/5 of the wealth of people (khums) and than claim that its legislated by God