Ebrahim Raisi President of Iran Date of Birth: 14.12.1960 Country: Iran

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Education and Controversies
3. Entry into Politics
4. Prosecution Career
5. Appointment as Prosecutor and Accusations
6. Opposition to Reforms and Welfare Activities
7. Ascension to the Presidency
8. Religious Conservatism and Isolationist Policies
9. Personal Life
10. International Relations and Protests

Childhood and Early Life

Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, to a religious Shia family. His father, a cleric, passed away when Raisi was just five years old. In memory of his father, Raisi enrolled in a seminary and received his early religious education. He later moved to Qom, where he continued his studies and then relocated to Tehran.

Education and Controversies

Raisi claims to hold a doctorate in law from the University of Motahari. However, these assertions have been disputed by opposition media and bloggers, who allege that Raisi never completed even high school. This information is now suppressed due to the country's strict censorship laws.

Entry into Politics

Raised in a devout family, Raisi embraced the Islamic Revolution of 1978 in Iran. He participated in protests and reportedly aided in the blockade of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

Prosecution Career

Raisi rose through the ranks as a supporter of transforming Iran into an Islamic state. In 1981, he became a prosecutor in Karaj, where he gained notoriety for his harsh handling of dissidents. He later held administrative posts in Hamadan before returning to Tehran in 1985.

Appointment as Prosecutor and Accusations

Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini appointed Raisi as the prosecutor of Tehran. Human rights groups accused him of participating in the so-called "death committee" that oversaw mass executions. Raisi has defended his actions, stating that he was protecting national security.

Opposition to Reforms and Welfare Activities

Raisi opposed reforms and liberalization of Iran's internal policies, gaining support among the clergy. In 2014, he became Iran's attorney general and held the post concurrently with his role in the Special Clerical Court. Later, he resigned and dedicated himself to charitable work, including organizing pilgrimages and aiding the poor.

Ascension to the Presidency

In June 2021, Raisi ran for president with virtually no competition. Low voter turnout and opposition protests marred the election. He secured support from rural areas and religious conservatives and won with 62% of the votes cast.

Religious Conservatism and Isolationist Policies

Raisi advocates for the Islamization of Iran, internet censorship, and rejection of Western influence. Under his leadership, Iran has continued its isolationist policies while expanding its interference in the personal lives of citizens. Persecutions of women, ethnic minorities, and opposition leaders have intensified.

Personal Life

Raisi's personal life is largely obscured by his conservative religious beliefs. He is married to Jamileh Alamolhoda and has two daughters. His wife is a professor at the University of Tehran.

International Relations and Protests

Isolated Iran has actively sought alliances. In 2022, Raisi met with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia's Vladimir Putin. In the latter half of 2022, Raisi faced widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. The conflicts have escalated into demands for autonomy and even independence from ethnic minorities.