Iranian hard-line theorist arrested for criticizing the army

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s official IRNA news agency is reporting that authorities have arrested a hard-line theorist for criticizing the Iranian army.

The report Wednesday says Hassan Abbasi, the head of the Centre for Doctrinal Strategic Studies, a think-tank, was arrested on charges of “spreading lies” and “creating an atmosphere of skepticism about the armed forces.”

In a video published on social media networks in Iran, Abbasi, who calls himself the “Kissinger of Islam,” criticizes the army for inaction, particularly when it comes to social and political issues.

He later appeared in a military court, and defended his remarks. They drew strong condemnation from the army and the powerful hard-line military group, the Revolutionary Guards.

Abbasi is known in Iran for his divisive speeches on subjects including economics, history, politics and cinema.