Leader Expresses Condolences over Rafsanjani’s Passing Away

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has offered his condolences over the demise of Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Rafsanjani passed away yesterday at the age of 82 due to heart condition.

In his message on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed grief over the sudden demise of an old friend, comrade and ally during the struggles for the 1979 Islamic Revolution and close colleague during the post-Islamic Revolution period.

The Leader said Rafsanjani’s loss was overwhelming and very hard to bear, adding that their cooperation and friendship had lasted for 59 years.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei added that he and Rafsanjani had gone through many hardships and difficulties in these years.

The Leader said Rafsanjani’s high intellect and unique intimacy in their years of friendship had been a reliable support for all those working with him.

Ayatollah Khamenei further stated that some differences in opinion between the two, which occurred at times during this long period, could never sever the friendship ties between him and Ayatollah Rafsanjani.

The Leader also condoled with Rafsanjani’s wife, children, brothers and the rest of his family, wishing God’s mercy and forgiveness for the deceased cleric.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani issued a condolence message on his Twitter account soon after Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani’s demise in which he said, “The soul of the great man of the revolution and politics has soared to the sky.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attended the hospital where Ayatollah Rafsanjani was hospitalized, undergoing treatment.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani: A look back at his life

Here is a glimpse at major events in the life of Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani who passed away at the age of 82 due to heart condition in Tehran on Sunday.

– Born in Iran’s southeastern city of Rafsanjan, Kerman Province, on August 25, 1934

– Married to Effat Mar’ashi in 1958

– Imprisoned from 1960 to 1979 for political activity against the Pahlavi regime

– Helped establish the Combatant Clergy Association in 1977

– Became a key member of the Council of the Islamic Revolution in 1977

– Elected as the first post-Revolution Parliament Speaker in 1980

– Served as Imam Khomeini’s Representative to the Supreme Council of National Defense (in Iraqi war) from 1980 to 89

– Appointed as Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in 1988

– Served as President for two terms from 1989 to 1997

– Ran in the 6th parliamentary elections in 2000, came in last on Tehran’s list, withdrew before being sworn in

– Lost in the 2005 presidential runoff election

– Served as Head of the Assembly of Experts from 2007 to 2011

– Ended his long-held position as Tehran Friday prayers leader in 2009

– Disqualified from running in 2013 presidential election

– Won in 2016 Assembly of Experts elections, ranking first on Tehran list

– Passed away after suffering a heart attack in Tehran on January 8, 2017

 

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