Ebrahim Raisi: Profile, History Of Iranian President Who Died In Helicopter Crash

• Late President Ebrahim Raisi was elected in 2021 and his tenure was expected to conclude in 2025 according to the constitution
• His role as the deputy prosecutor in the revolutionary court in Tehran saw over 5,000 Marxists and leftists killed
• Raisi emphasised Iran's unwavering support for Palestinians, which saw Tehran launch hundreds of missiles and rockets at Israel in a direct retaliatory attack

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Iran - The incumbent president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, has perished in a tragic helicopter crash in the East Azerbaijan province.

In 2021, Raisi assumed the presidency amidst a backdrop of crises and conflicts, with his term slated to conclude in 2025, according to Iran's constitution.

Under his leadership, Iranians grappled with a severe economic downturn, while tensions between Iran and Israel reached historic heights.

Tragically, the 63-year-old head of state met his untimely demise alongside eight government officials while returning from Azerbaijan, where he had travelled to inaugurate a dam on Saturday, May 18.

Why is Raisi labelled "The Butcher of Tehran"?

Raisi's career trajectory traces back to the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution, according to NDTV.

Notably, he earned the moniker "The Butcher of Tehran" due to his role in the 1988 mass executions of Marxists and leftists while serving as the deputy prosecutor of the revolutionary court in Tehran.

During this period, "death committees" wielded significant power, arbitrating the fate of thousands in arbitrary trials.

According to reports, at least 5,000 people lost their lives during the period.

President Raisi's role in Iran-Israel war

Rising through Iran's theocratic hierarchy, Raisi transitioned from a hardline prosecutor to an uncompromising president in 2021, overseeing domestic crackdowns on protests and playing a pivotal role in nuclear negotiations with global powers.

Throughout his tenure, Raisi unabashedly voiced animosity towards the United States and Israel, openly expressing disdain for the Zionist regime.

This animosity culminated in Iran launching numerous missiles and rockets directly at Israel in April of the same year.

Raisi consistently emphasised Iran's unwavering support for Palestinians, a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Despite his close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Raisi was also seen as a potential successor upon the conclusion of his presidential tenure in 2025.

Who takes office after Ebrahim Raisi's death?

However, upon his sudden death, the first vice president, Mohammad Mukhber, will take over his office, upon confirmation of Ayatollah.

According to the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Mukhber will be the new president in an acting capacity.

Meanwhile, a council will be formed to organise the election of the new president within a maximum of 50 days.

What else you need to know about Ebrahim Raisi

• Footage of him and another passenger conversing in the chopper before it crashed has surfaced online
• Facts about the helicopter that killed the Iranian president have been detailed
• His role in Tehran that led to the acquisition of negative monikers has been elaborated on

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke