The Guardian Council: An Obstacle to Democracy
February 26, 2020
Ahmad Jannati, Jurist and Secretary
March 12, 2020
Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei: Lawyer
| Name | Abbas-Ali |
| Family name | Kadkhodaei |
| Father’s name | Alireza |
| Date of birth | 1961 |
| Date of death | Living |
| Place of birth | Isfahan |
| Education | Bachelor of Judicial Rights / Master’s and PhD in International Law |
| Place of education | Tehran University, University of Hulls, University of Leeds |
| Type of membership | Lawyer |
| Entering year | 2001 / 2016 |
| Age of entry to council | 40 |
| Duration of term | 16 years |
| Period | Fourth / Fifth / Sixth / Seventh |
| Post | Spokesperson and Deputy |
Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei (عباسعلی کدخدایی) attended Tehran University during one of the tensest times of the revolution. After his first semester, the university was closed. At that time, Ayatollah Beheshti selected 180 law students and taught them judiciary science.
At just 19 years of age, Kadkhodaei was one of Behesti’s students. After a few months of training, he began working for Prosecutor Asadollah Lajavardi in the revolutionary court as an interrogator and investigator.
In July 2001, Kadkhodaei gained a seat on the Guardian Council (sixth council), becoming director of the Research Center of the Guardian Council. Later, he became the Chairman of the Board of Legislative Review.
In August 2011, Kadkhodaei became a member of the Supreme Council, tasked with dispute settlement for the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. His responsibility was extended in 2016.
Losing his seat on the Guardian Council did not become an obstacle for communication with its secretary, Ahmad Jannati. Shortly after losing a vote of confidence, on 18 June 2016, Jannati, who is also the chair of the Assembly of Experts, appointed Kadkhodaei as his advisor.
After two years in 2018, he was once again recommended for a new term Guardian Council. This time he was successful due to support from the reformist factions.
The media often calls Kadkhodaei Jannati’s stepson. Their strong bond is without any family ties.
Background:
- Tutor, Tehran University
- Deputy Secretary of the Guardian Council
- Executive Deputy and Election Affairs of Guardian Council
- Spokesperson of the Guardian Council
Read the full profile in Persian: https://www.arsehsevom.org/profile-abbas-ali-kaddkhodahi/
