This leadership shift has drawn significant global attention, given Mokhber’s controversial background and the critical role he is expected to play in the regime’s future.
raisins Controversial Legacy
Ebrahim Raisi’s political career has been marred by accusations of severe human rights violations. Notably, during the 1988 massacre, Raisi was implicated in the execution of approximately 30,000 political prisoners, primarily associated with the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK). This dark chapter in Iran’s history resurfaced during the 2017 presidential elections when then-incumbent president Hassan Rouhani attacked Raisi’s brutal past to leverage public outrage against him.
#Iranians Celebrate Cancellation of #EbrahimRaisi’s Geneva Trip, Call for Global Condemnation of Tehranhttps://t.co/Fq3f9Qq1Sg
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 14, 2023
Despite losing the 2017 election, Raisi was appointed head of the judiciary by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 2019, setting the stage for his eventual presidency in 2021. Raisi’s tenure was marked by further repression, including the deadly suppression of the 2019 protests, which resulted in over 1,500 deaths.
The Rise of Mohammad Mokhber
Mohammad Mokhber, a long-time political figure within the Iranian regime, now steps into Raisi’s shoes. Mokhber has a significant history of involvement in both governmental and economic spheres. He has held various positions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has been deeply involved in the regime’s economic activities through entities like the Mostazafan Foundation and the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO).
Mokhber’s career has been tainted by numerous allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. He was sanctioned by the European Union in 2010 for his involvement in Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States also blacklisted him in 2021 for his role in financing projects aimed at suppressing dissent and confiscating assets from regime opponents.
Justice in Absurdity: #Iran’s Lawless Dictator Holds Trial of Sworn Enemieshttps://t.co/gMVIRpmuT0
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 25, 2023
Consolidating Power
As Vice President, Mokhber has played a crucial role in enforcing censorship and controlling foreign media in Iran. He introduced regulations requiring foreign media activities to be approved by the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC, tightening the regime’s grip on information flow. His appointment as Vice President was likely a strategic move by Khamenei to consolidate power and ensure the implementation of the regime’s policies despite international condemnation and sanctions.
Future Implications
With Mokhber at the helm, Iran is expected to continue its trajectory of internal repression and external aggression. His close ties with the IRGC and the Quds Force, the regime’s extraterritorial military arm, have facilitated Iran’s support for militant groups and interference in regional affairs. Mokhber’s involvement in bypassing international sanctions and securing financial resources for the regime underscores his commitment to maintaining the status quo.
#Iran News in Brief
The regime's Vice President Mohammad Mokhber's statement against people who enjoy a lavish lifestyle unleashed a new wave of criticism on #socialmedia where users reacted by posting pictures of his own brother.#hypocrisy https://t.co/SfL7mZIVhF pic.twitter.com/c7mWZwdmVn
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 3, 2022
Despite the anticipated increase in oppressive measures, the Iranian populace, particularly those affected by the regime’s atrocities, may find renewed hope in the possibility of future change. The death of Raisi and the subsequent leadership transition could be a catalyst for increased resistance against the clerical regime.
In conclusion, the rise of Mohammad Mokhber as Iran’s acting president marks a significant development in the country’s political landscape. His controversial past and unwavering loyalty to Khamenei suggest a continuation of the regime’s repressive policies, but also a potential turning point for the Iranian people in their ongoing struggle for freedom.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
