Biden Admin's Condolences for Iranian President's Death Draw Criticism for Overlooking Human Rights Abuses

The Biden administration's expression of condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has sparked backlash, with critics arguing that it overlooks Iran's well-documented human rights violations.

The State Department's official condolences for the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash have been met with widespread criticism from human rights advocates and lawmakers.

Raisi, known as the "Butcher of Tehran," was responsible for mass executions of political prisoners in 1988 and numerous other human rights abuses during his tenure as head of the judiciary. Despite this history, the State Department expressed its "official condolences," reaffirming support for the Iranian people and their "struggle for human rights."

Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas questioned the administration's decision, stating that it was "disappointing" to offer condolences to a figure with such a "vile human rights record." Cotton argued that the message sent by the State Department is a dangerous one, as it could embolden authoritarian regimes and make it easier for them to violate human rights without facing repercussions.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned the condolences, emphasizing Iran's support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. "I don't feel comfortable sending condolences while Iran is sending drones that are used against civilians in Ukraine," he stated.

Human rights lawyer Gerard Filitti of the Lawfare Project echoed these concerns, noting that the Biden administration's strategy of pacifying Iran through nuclear deal negotiations and financial concessions has been ineffective. "It's really troubling that now we're seeing, effectively, a continuation of that," he said, referring to the State Department's condolences.

The United Nations Security Council also observed a moment of silence for Raisi at the request of Russia, China, and Algeria. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller defended the U.S. participation in this gesture while acknowledging Raisi's atrocious human rights record.

Despite the criticism, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black offered condolences for the Iranian people mourning Raisi's death.