A son of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani began a 10-year prison sentence Sunday after his conviction on corruption and security charges, ABC News reported.

Before entering Tehran's Evin prison, Mahdi Hashemi Rafsanjani called his conviction "unjust" and "politically motivated."

He once again called for his closed-door trial to be broadcast on state television, a request already rejected by authorities.

Several members of Rafsanjani's family stood by his side before he entered the prison.

Critics view Rafsanjani's trial and conviction as a way for hard-liners to weaken his father ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in February.