In Iran, hard-liners have recently intensified their attacks on former judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani.

An unpopular figure among almost all of the political currents, Larijani was in December appointed chairman of the Expediency Council, which is tasked with resolving disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council. During his tenure as judiciary chief, Larijani tolerated little criticism — even from hard-liners and conservative figures — leading to the judicial branch’s lodging of constant lawsuits against political activists.

Javad Karimi Ghodoosi, a controversial hard-line member of parliament known for his harsh allegations against moderate President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, has particularly had his eyes set on Larijani. On May 8, Karimi Ghodoosi took to Twitter to allege that Larijani is residing at a special complex reserved for foreign guests of the judiciary. He then advised Larijani to follow the footsteps of low-ranking clerics and live a simple life.

In reaction, the Expediency Council released a statement May 8 describing the allegations as “untrue” and “cruel.” The council said that while Larijani was living in the quarters cited by Ghoddosi, they were neither luxurious nor reserved for foreign dignitaries.