Talk of 'good genes' provokes nepotism outcry in Iran
Comments by the son of prominent Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref concerning his "good genes" have caused furor among Iranians.
![IRAN-ELECTION/ Iranian former vice president and candidate for parliamentary election Mohammad Reza Aref and his wife show their ink-stained fingers after casting their ballots during elections for the parliament and Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint and dismiss the supreme leader, in Tehran February 26, 2016. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - GF10000324077](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/08/RTX28O19.jpg/RTX28O19.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Bhy6JBNA)
TEHRAN, Iran — An interview with the son of prominent Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref, a member of the parliamentary Hope faction, has led to a new controversy in Iran.
The July 20 interview features Hamid Reza Aref talking about how the children of Iranian elites, locally known as "aghazadeh" (noble-born), have "good genes." The interview has not only introduced a new terminology on nepotism to Iran's political lexicon but also brought social media attention to the positions held by these "aghazadehs."