In the twisted realm of Iran’s political theater, where power and oppression intertwine, the emergence of Mostafa Pourmohammadi as a potential presidential candidate is not only alarming, but also a revealing glimpse into the regime’s inner workings.

This criminal mullah, whose legacy is stained with blood, corruption, and unwavering loyalty to the oppressive regime of Supreme Leader Khamenei, embodies the disturbing paradox that pervades the Islamic Republic: the more tyrannical and ruthless an individual is, the higher they ascend within the ranks.

Pourmohammadi’s résumé reads like a horror story — a testament to the Islamic Republic’s descent into darkness. As a notorious colleague of Ebrahim Raisi in the infamous “execution committee,” he played a pivotal role in the mass murder of countless innocent lives. His tenure at the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) was marked by a trail of atrocities, cementing his reputation as a criminal thug and a symbol of the regime’s brutality.

Yet, in the twisted logic of the Islamic Caliphate, Pourmohammadi’s heinous acts are not a disqualification but rather a badge of honor. The more murderous, corrupt, and oppressive an individual is, the more beloved they become in the eyes of Khamenei and his ilk. This perverse dynamic has paved the way for Pourmohammadi’s rise, as the regime seeks a candidate who will stop at nothing to suppress dissent and maintain the iron grip of the Velayat-e faqih, the governing doctrine of Iran’s clerical leadership.

Pourmohammadi’s brief foray into “stand-up comedy,” i.e. his desperate attempt to gain popularity and influence, only serves to highlight the absurdity of his candidacy and the farcical nature of political contests in Iran, which can aptly be termed the “Election Circus.” This tragicomic maneuver of Pourmohammadi’s public performance was not about entertainment, but a calculated attempt to soften his public image and hint at a semblance of approachability and normalcy.

Despite lacking a coherent plan, popularity, or positive influence, Pourmohammadi’s smiles in front of the cameras do not mask his illiteracy in governance, or his bluster. His rise is not propelled by competence but by a brutal allegiance to the principles of the Velayat-e faqih, the doctrine that sustains Khamenei’s regime through the suppression of any form of protest and the perpetuation of a cycle of fear and control.

The recent endorsement from the MOIS website, subtly supporting Pourmohammadi’s candidacy, is particularly telling. The website, which typically serves dual functions of informing the public and consolidating political support, is strategically being used to craft a favorable image of him. This maneuver is part of a broader orchestration by the MOIS to manipulate public perception and ensure bureaucratic support for their chosen candidate, further entrenching the undemocratic nature of Iran’s political processes.

Pourmohammadi is not merely a product of the system; he is its stark embodiment — a symbol of thuggery and repression under the guise of religious and political authority. His potential candidacy is a bleak indicator of the regime’s direction, prioritizing loyalty and brutality over justice and the welfare of its people.

As the election circus unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping against hope that the Iranian people will reject this descent into depravity. Pourmohammadi’s candidacy is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Iran, a nation caught in the grip of a regime that has sacrificed its soul on the altar of power and oppression.

The international community must remain vigilant and outspoken against the elevation of such figures, for Pourmohammadi’s presidency would not just be a domestic issue, but a significant setback for regional stability and human rights.

The world must not be fooled by the electoral facade in Tehran; behind the curtain lies a narrative of tyranny and sorrow that seeks to perpetuate itself through the likes of Mostafa Pourmohammadi.

Erfan Fard is a counterterrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, DC. Twitter: @EQFARD.

The post The Dark Horse of Iran’s Election Circus: Pourmohammadi’s Chilling Rise first appeared on Algemeiner.com.