Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line figure closely aligned with the country’s supreme leader, has a controversial past that has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. Raisi, who previously served as Iran’s judiciary chief, was elected as president in 2021 in an election marred by low turnout and allegations of unfair practices.
One of the most troubling aspects of Raisi’s past is his involvement in the 1988 executions of thousands of political prisoners, a dark chapter in Iran’s history that has been widely condemned by human rights organizations. Raisi served on the “death commissions” that oversaw the executions, leading to his sanctioning by the U.S. Treasury in 2019 for his role in the atrocities.
In addition to his controversial past, Raisi has also been a staunch supporter of Iran’s aggressive foreign policy, including its enrichment of uranium to near-weapons-grade levels and its confrontations with Western powers. He has also backed attacks on Israel, further escalating tensions in the region.
Domestically, Raisi has been criticized for his government’s crackdown on dissent, including the brutal suppression of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The United Nations has held Iran responsible for the violence that led to Amini’s death, highlighting the human rights abuses that continue to occur under Raisi’s leadership.
As Iran’s president, Raisi wields significant power and influence, raising concerns about the direction the country is headed under his leadership. With his controversial past and hard-line policies, Raisi’s presidency is likely to continue to be a source of contention both at home and abroad.