Iran Mourns President Raisi's Death: A Spectrum of Emotions Unveiled
In a solemn yet divisive atmosphere, thousands of Iranians gathered in Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province, on Tuesday to bid farewell to President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The nation has declared five days of mourning, but the response to Raisi's demise has starkly polarized the country.
For many, the late president's tenure was marred by repression, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022-2023 demonstrations as the country tightened its grip on women's rights. These protests, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman in police custody for violating the country's strict dress codes by not wearing a hijab, were part of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. The crackdown on these demonstrations resulted in more than 500 fatalities, including 60 children, and the imprisonment of over 19,000 protesters.
Laila, a 21-year-old student in Tehran, expressed her lack of sorrow over Raisi's death, stating, "He ordered the crackdown on women for hijab. But I am sad because even with Raisi's death, this regime will not change."
On the other hand, supporters of the clerical establishment mourned Raisi's passing and praised his legacy. Mohammad Hossein Zarrabi, a 28-year-old member of the Basij militia in Qom, hailed Raisi as a "hard-working president" whose impact will endure, as reported by Reuters.
Internationally, reactions to Raisi's death have been mixed. Dominic Waghorn, an international affairs editor, remarked on Sky News' program "The World with Yalda Hakim" that Raisi was a "hated figure" responsible for the loss of numerous lives. "Therefore, many people will be celebrating his death," he noted. However, Waghorn also emphasized that Raisi's demise does not signify the end of the current regime.
The tragic helicopter crash occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time in the Dizmar forest, between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa, amidst severe weather conditions, including heavy fog and rain. Despite immediate rescue efforts, the harsh weather and difficult terrain significantly hampered the search. State media confirmed the recovery of the bodies of Raisi and his delegation early Monday. The late president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and several other officials, all of whom perished in the crash.
While state media attributed the helicopter crash to a "technical failure," Iran's army chief Mohammed Bagheri has ordered an investigation into the incident.
In accordance with the Iranian constitution, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume presidential duties until new elections are held within 50 days.