Ebrahim Raisi

#EbrahimRaisi

Ebrahim Raisi (December 14, 1960 – May 19, 2024) was an Iranian cleric, jurist, and politician who served as the 8th President of Iran from 2021 until his death in 2024.

His career was marked by a steady rise through the ranks of Iran’s judiciary and close alignment with the country’s conservative establishment. 

Early Life and Judicial Career

Born in Mashhad, Iran, Raisi lost his father at the age of five. He pursued religious studies at the Qom Seminary, where he became involved in the revolutionary movement against the Shah. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Raisi began his judicial career, serving in various prosecutorial roles across Iran.

By 1985, he was appointed Deputy Prosecutor General of Tehran. In 1988, he was part of a committee that oversaw the mass execution of political prisoners, an event that has drawn significant criticism and led to his being dubbed the “Butcher of Tehran” by some observers .   

Rise to Prominence

Raisi held several key positions within Iran’s judiciary, including Prosecutor General of Tehran, head of the General Inspection Organization, and Chief Justice from 2019 to 2021.

He also served as the custodian of the Astan Quds Razavi, managing one of Iran’s wealthiest religious foundations . 

Presidency (2021–2024)

In 2021, Raisi was elected President of Iran, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. His administration was characterized by a hardline stance on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Notably, in 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody sparked nationwide protests, which were met with a severe crackdown by Raisi’s government .  

Death and Aftermath

On May 19, 2024, President Raisi died in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province while returning from a diplomatic visit to the Iran-Azerbaijan border.

The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials. Investigations concluded that the crash was primarily caused by adverse weather conditions, including thick fog .   

Following his death, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as acting president. According to Iranian law, a new presidential election was held within 50 days, resulting in the election of Masoud Pezeshkian on July 5, 2024 .  

Legacy

Ebrahim Raisi’s tenure as president was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of the Islamic Republic and his alignment with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

His presidency faced significant challenges, including economic sanctions, civil unrest, and international scrutiny over human rights issues.

While some viewed him as a steadfast leader upholding Iran’s revolutionary ideals, others criticized his role in past human rights violations and the suppression of dissent during his administration . 

#Irani_Presidency