A state-run website quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a press conference on Wednesday: “I believe Mr Mashaei is a pious, competent, and useful person for the country, and knowing his capabilities and character, I endorsed him, but he was unjustly treated.
“I will pursue the case to the end via the Supreme Leader and hope that the matter will soon be solved.”
Mashaei also commented on his own disqualification by the Guardian Council, adding: “I have spoken about this issue before. I deem disqualification as an injustice and will pursue my case to have it resolved by the Supreme Leader.”