Mourning in Iran Met with Mixed Reactions Abroad

Iran has announced five days of mourning following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. However, this official grief is not shared by all, especially among Iranian Americans and other Iranians living abroad who have a different perspective on Raisi’s legacy.

Controversial Legacy of President Ebrahim Raisi

President Raisi’s tenure was marked by significant controversy and widespread allegations of human rights abuses. Dr. Mehdi Ghajar, a prominent member of the Iranian American community, likened Raisi’s rule to that of historical tyrants, stating that many Iranians feel a sense of relief and justice with his passing. Raisi was notably involved in the 1988 death commission, which resulted in the execution of thousands of political prisoners, an event that has left a lasting scar on the Iranian nation.

Protests and Economic Struggles

Raisi’s government faced numerous mass protests, driven by economic hardship and the ongoing struggle for women’s rights. The death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, while in custody for allegedly wearing an improper headscarf, ignited widespread demonstrations and further underscored the brutal nature of Raisi’s administration. Hundreds of protesters were killed that year alone, highlighting the regime’s repressive tactics.

Celebration Among Some Iranians

Despite the official mourning period, there have been reports of celebratory fireworks and private celebrations within Iran, as citizens react to the end of Raisi’s reign. Videos circulating on social media show Iranians expressing their joy discreetly, fearing government reprisals. These celebrations reflect the deep-seated resentment many held towards Raisi and his policies.

International Condolences and Responses

While some Iranians celebrate, international leaders have offered their condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among those who expressed their sympathies. The cause of the helicopter crash that led to Raisi’s death remains undisclosed by Iranian authorities.

Historical Context

Raisi’s death marks the second instance of an Iranian president dying in office. The first was President Mohammad Ali Rajai, who was killed in a bomb blast in 1981, shortly after the Islamic revolution. Raisi’s demise thus adds to a turbulent chapter in Iran’s political history.

Support for Victims’ Families

Dr. Ghajar emphasized that the real mourning is for the victims of Raisi’s regime. Many Iranians in the diaspora and within the country remember the tens of thousands who suffered under his rule, either executed or imprisoned in brutal conditions. The death of such a figure brings a complex mix of emotions, primarily a sense of justice rather than sorrow.

End of an Era

The death of President Ebrahim Raisi has opened a new chapter in Iranian politics, one that is being met with a variety of emotions across the globe. For many, it represents the end of a painful era and a glimmer of hope for a different future for Iran.

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