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Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
Shah of Iran (1941-1979)
CIA-installed dictator who ruled Iran with brutal secret police
Overview
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was installed by a CIA coup in 1953 after the democratically elected Mohammad Mosaddegh was overthrown. His brutal regime, enforced by the SAVAK secret police (trained by CIA), killed and tortured thousands. He was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
CIA INSTALLATION: Placed in power by 1953 CIA coup overthrowing democracy
SAVAK: His secret police tortured and killed thousands of dissidents
CORRUPTION: Extreme wealth while many Iranians lived in poverty
AUTHORITARIAN: No free press, no opposition parties allowed
Related Investigations (2)
Criminal Charges & Violations
1 documented violations
Human Rights ViolationsOversaw torture and extrajudicial killings by SAVAK(International Crime)
Known Associates & Connections
Mohammad Mosaddegh
Overthrew him via CIA coup
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- October 26, 1919
- Birthplace
- Tehran, Iran
Education
- •Le Rosey, Switzerland
Key Timeline
October 26, 1919
Born in Tehran
September 16, 1941
Becomes Shah after father's abdication
August 19, 1953
CIA coup restores him to power
1957
SAVAK secret police established with CIA help
January 16, 1979
Flees Iran during revolution
July 27, 1980
Dies in Egypt