Iran’s first president, Abolhassan Banisadr, dies in Paris at 88 | New

Banisadr became Iran’s first president a few months after the 1979 revolution, but was later deposed and fled the country.

Tehran, Iran – Abolhassan Banisadr, who became Iran’s first president following the country’s revolution in 1979, died in Paris, where he lived for decades after fleeing his country.

A statement from his website and Iranian media reports said on Saturday that the 88-year-old man died “after a long battle with the disease” at Salpêtrière hospital in the French capital.

Banisadr was born in 1933 in Hamedan province, western Iran. His father was a renowned religious leader and a friend of Ruhollah Khomeini, who successfully led the Islamic revolution against Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran.

Banisadr, who completed his studies in Europe, was an activist against the dynastic regime of the shah. He became a confidant and close ally of Khomeini, whom he hosted when the latter was in Paris before becoming Iran’s first supreme leader.

First elected president

Months after the revolution, Banisadr became the first elected president in Iranian history, garnering a strong majority of votes to rule for four years. He was also appointed Acting Commander-in-Chief by the Supreme Leader.

Banisadr stood out with his mustache and Western-style suits among the black robes and turbans preferred by other religious leaders of the revolution. But they shared a common faith in a Shia Islamic state to replace the monarchy.

Banisadr photographed in 2019 in Versailles, near Paris [File: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters]

However, two major events beyond his control severely affected Banisadr’s ability to consolidate his position: the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran and the ensuing hostage crisis, and the invasion of Iran by neighboring Iraq led by Saddam Hussein with the support of foreign governments. to overthrow the country’s burgeoning religious establishment.

In this chaotic backdrop, Banisadr quickly clashed with factions within the establishment on a multitude of issues, including cabinet appointments and the vision for governance.

Escape to France

Intensifying conflict ultimately meant his presidency lasted just over a year as the newly formed Islamic parliament deposed him in June 1981 with Khomeini’s backing. After living in hiding for some time, he was smuggled out of the country on a plane, weeks after his impeachment.

He had formed an alliance with Masoud Rajavi, then leader of the People’s Mojahedin (MEK), to oppose the establishment. They took refuge in France and founded the National Council of Iranian Resistance.

However, Banisadr quickly fell out with Rajavi, accusing him of espousing ideologies that showed tendencies towards violence and dictatorship. Moreover, he objected to the MEK establishing a camp in Iraq with the support of Hussein and mounting an armed assault on Iranian soil, which was ultimately defeated.

Banisadr spent the following decades until his death living in France with police protection. He remained opposed to the Iranian rulers and published a magazine and numerous books.