In view of the protests in Iran that have been going on for weeks, a grandson of revolutionary leader Ruhollah Khomeini (1902-1989) has called for reforms.

Prominent Shia cleric Hassan Khomeini told the online portal Bayanfarda: "The most sensible way to govern the country is the 'majority-oriented democracy' that emerges from the ballot box. Other ways involve far more errors and costs." The ayatollah's grandson, who lives in Iran, thus hinted at criticism of the Islamic country's political system. He had already expressed criticism at the beginning of the protests in mid-September.

In Iran, the parliament and president are elected, but power is concentrated in the supreme religious leader. Since Khomeini's death in 1989, this has been Ali Khamenei. Candidates for the presidential election are approved by the so-called Guardian Council. The members are loyal supporters of Khamenei and the political leadership. During the street protests, demonstrators repeatedly refer to Khamenei as a dictator. Hassan Khomeini is also counted among the "men of the system" by many demonstrators.

The protests were triggered by the death of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. The vice squad arrested her for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes. The woman died in police custody on September 16. Since her death, tens of thousands have been demonstrating across the country against the government's repressive course and the Islamic system of rule.