Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash that happened on Sunday in a forested area in East Azerbaijan, while returning from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on the Aras River alongside the President of Azerbaijan.
All other passengers and crew, including the Iranian Foreign Minister, the Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province and the Leader’s representative of the Islamic Revolution to East Azerbaijan Province, also succumbed to the crash, according to Mehr News Agency.
As condolences towards the deaths came pouring in from countries worldwide, the Constitutional Council (or Guardian Council) announced preparations for the next presidential election within the coming 50 days, as a council would be formed with the Iran parliament speaker, the head judiciary and other officials.
The country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has also declared five days of national mourning over the death of the President, with Mohammad Mokhber as Iran’s interim President till the completion of the incoming presidential election.
The cabinet of ministers has further assured no disruption in administrative affairs, attributing bad weather as the cause of the accident Nevertheless, the accident occurred at a time of rising discord within Iran regarding socio-politico and economic crises. Given the strengthening military alliances between Iran and Russia alongside its heavily contested nuclear programme, Iran faces mounting international pressure.
Why are few celebrating Raisi’s death?
Raisi’s tenure was met with stricter laws over morality and violent suppressions of anti-government protests while simultaneously pushing for nuclear power. His role as a key member of the “Death Commission” that called for the executions of thousands of left-leaning political prisoners earned him the nickname “Butcher of Tehran.”
Said use of extensive violence also drew heavy condemnation from international human rights organisations.
Raisi’s death, apart from condolences, was also met with celebrations visible across social media that went against national broadcasting that showcased prayers held for the leader. Footage across social media showcased fireworks celebrating the crash, criticising the leader’s use of systemic violence during his tenure.
The dissent further grows with Iran’s economy under crisis, leading to reports suggesting the possible mobilising of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to prevent an uprising.
