Who is Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s 8th President, who died in a helicopter crash?

Iran’s 8th President Ibrahim Raisi have died in a helicopter crash. Reisi is the most influential figure in the country after Iran’s religious leader Khamenei.

Ebrahim Raisi hails from a family with a devout religious background, rooted in conservative values. His upbringing coincided with a tumultuous period in Iran’s history marked by significant social and economic transformations, during which he actively participated in the Islamic Revolution. 

Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Raisi embarked on a career in law enforcement, initially serving as a prosecutor in various regions. His dedication and competence led to his appointment as deputy prosecutor in the capital city, Tehran, in 1985. 

Aligned with the principles espoused by Ayatollah Khomeini, the influential leader of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Raisi tirelessly advocated for governance per the regime’s tenets. His unwavering commitment to such ideals shaped his trajectory in the political and judicial spheres. 

The conclusion of the prolonged conflict between Iran and Iraq marked a critical juncture in Raisi’s career. Despite facing allegations regarding his involvement in the execution of thousands of prisoners in 1988, Raisi maintained a public silence on the matter. These allegations have since stirred significant controversy and scrutiny, prompting criticism from within Iran and from international human rights organizations.

Before his presidential term, Raisi served in state positions 

Raisi’s post-1988 involvement in the suppression of political dissidents has cast a shadow over his legacy, with some individuals branding him as a ‘killer’ due to his perceived role in these events. 

Nevertheless, Raisi’s ascent to power continued unabated in the subsequent years. Particularly following the ascension of Khamenei to the position of Supreme Leader in 1989, Raisi’s influence within the judiciary experienced a notable acceleration. 

His tenure as Tehran’s Chief Prosecutor from 1990 to 1995 further solidified his standing within Iran’s legal and political establishment. In 2016, he assumed leadership of the country’s largest charitable foundation, entrusted with the management of substantial financial resources In 2019, Raisi ascended to the pinnacle of Iran’s judiciary, assuming the position of its head. His consolidation of power within the judicial apparatus underscored his increasing stature within the Iranian political landscape. 

Presidency term 

Raisi clinched his second presidential term in 2021, winning with 62.9% of the vote after Hassan Rouhani. Many claim the election was rigged in his favor, aligning him closely with Ali Khamenei. Expected to be Khamenei’s successor, Raisi is known for his hardline stance.

His presidency has seen stalled negotiations with the U.S. over the JCPOA and widespread protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death. Under Raisi, Iran intensified uranium enrichment, hindered inspections, supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attacked Israel during the Gaza conflict, and armed proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthi movement.