Birth and Family Background
Ebrahim Raisi was born in 1960 in Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city and the site of the country’s holiest Shia Muslim shrine. His father, a cleric, passed away when Raisi was just five years old. This early loss deeply influenced Raisi’s path in life, steering him towards a religious vocation.
Education in Qom
At the age of 15, Raisi began attending a seminary in the holy city of Qom, a pivotal center for Shia scholarship and religious training. His education here was instrumental in shaping his religious and political ideologies. While still a student, Raisi became involved in protests against the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, aligning himself with the revolutionary fervor that was sweeping through the country.
Role in the Islamic Revolution
During his time in Qom, Raisi actively participated in demonstrations against the Western-backed Shah. These protests were part of the larger movement that eventually led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Joining the Judiciary
Following the revolution, Raisi joined the Iranian judiciary. He served as a prosecutor in several cities, quickly rising through the ranks. His career in the judiciary was marked by a strict adherence to the principles of the revolution and the teachings of Ayatollah Khomeini. He was closely mentored by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who became Iran’s president in 1981 and later its Supreme Leader.
Judicial Career
Raisi’s judicial career was significant and controversial. He held various key positions, including the head of Iran’s judiciary. His tenure was characterized by a tough stance on crime and political dissent, which earned him a reputation as a hardliner. This period also saw allegations regarding his involvement in the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s, a point of contention that followed him throughout his career.
Presidential Election
In 2021, Raisi was elected president of Iran in a landslide victory. The election was notable for the barring of many prominent moderate and reformist candidates, which led to a low voter turnout and allegations of electoral manipulation. His election consolidated conservative control over the Islamic Republic, signaling a shift towards more hardline policies.
Presidency Domestic Challenges
Raisi’s presidency began amid significant challenges. Iran faced acute economic problems, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal mismanagement. Escalating regional tensions and the stalled talks on the revival of a nuclear deal with world powers further complicated his administration’s efforts.
Protests and Unrest
In 2022, widespread anti-government protests erupted across Iran. These protests were driven by various factors, including economic hardship, political repression, and calls for greater personal freedoms. Raisi’s government responded with a heavy hand, further deepening public discontent.
International Relations and Conflict
Raisi’s time in office was also marked by heightened tensions with Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza saw Iran’s shadow war with Israel come into the open. This period was characterized by increased hostilities and a more aggressive stance in regional politics.
Allegations of Human Rights Abuses
Throughout his career, Raisi faced persistent calls from Iranians and international human rights activists for an investigation into his alleged role in the mass executions of political prisoners in the late 1980s. These allegations were a significant source of controversy and criticism, overshadowing his political achievements.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji