Ebrahim Raisi’s name and role in the architecture of post-revolution Iran are intertwined with two critical periods.
The early post-revolutionary years witnessed shocking
events, such as the end of the eight-year war with Iraq, the elimination of leftist opposition, and the execution of thousands of political prisoners in the summer of 1988.
During this period, Ebrahim Raisi was a key member of the committee that surviving political prisoners later referred to in their memoirs and testimonies as the “Death Commission”.
Ayatollah Montazeri, the deputy to the then leader of the Islamic
Revolution, called these executions “the most hideous crime in the history
of the Islamic Republic”.
By the end of decade, there were no remaining opposition political parties in the country, and Ayatollah Khomeini passed away at the age of 87.
The second pivotal period in Raisi’s political life unfolded under Ayatollah Khamenei’s leadership.
This time, unlike the 1980s, he emerged on the
political scene by his name, ostensibly combating corruption within the
government.
However, many believed in these actions not as anti-corruption
measures but as political purges against internal factions. He ascended to the
positions of chief justice and later president.
Like in his youth, the middle-aged Raisi reappeared on
the scene, seemingly aiming to forcibly homogenise and consolidate the
government.
Raisi was expected to prepare the government for a smooth transition as the current Supreme Leader was at the age of 85 and he was seen as the most suitable successor.
Yet, he has been killed in a “hard landing” according to the government.