Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's Death Sparks Controversy and International Condemnation

Iranians celebrate President Raisi's death in the streets as the international community questions the United Nations' tribute to a man accused of human rights abuses.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi died on May 19, 2024, after his helicopter crashed in a mountainous region in the country's northwest. The news of his death sparked mixed reactions, with many Iranians opposed to Raisi celebrating his passing while others mourned his loss.

The United Nations paid tribute to Raisi on Thursday, prompting condemnation from the United States and human rights advocates. The U.S. Mission to the U.N. spokesperson Nate Evans said the U.S. would not participate in the event, calling into question the logic of showing respect for a man who had committed "numerous, horrific human rights abuses."

Evans highlighted Raisi's involvement in the extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, describing them as "some of the worst human rights abuses on record." The United Nations' tribute was criticized by many for honoring a man known as the "Butcher of Tehran."

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres extended condolences to Raisi's family and the Iranian people, saying, "President Raisi led Iran at a challenging time for the country, the region and globally." However, he also acknowledged the need for peace, development, and fundamental freedoms.

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Saeed Iravani received condolences during the tribute, but protesters gathered outside U.N. headquarters to voice their opposition to the commemoration. Middle East expert Lisa Daftari blasted the U.N. for honoring a man allegedly responsible for perpetuating terrorism, calling it "perplexing, if not outright offensive."

Daftari questioned the U.N.'s commitment to justice and peace, given its continued legitimization of the Iranian regime while failing to condemn terror proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. International criticism extended beyond the U.S., with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressing discomfort in offering condolences due to Iran's use of drones against civilians in Ukraine.

Raisi, 63, was considered a possible successor to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death has thrown the selection into question, as there is no clear heir-apparent ahead of planned elections on June 28. The international community's response to Raisi's death has highlighted the ongoing divisions and controversies surrounding the Iranian regime and its human rights record.