Iranians worldwide are reacting with jubilation to reports of a helicopter crash carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister, although there’s no confirmation of their fate. While state media showcased prayers for Raisi, social media, and Iranians globally presented a contrasting narrative, with footage of celebratory fireworks in Iran being circulated.
Raisi, renowned for his conservative stance and involvement in Iran’s notorious judicial system, has faced criticism for corruption and human rights violations. His potential demise is seen by many as a glimmer of hope for an end to his regime’s oppressive policies.
Jonathan Harounoff, an Israel and Iran journalist, noted that Raisi’s tenure had been marked by widespread bureaucratic corruption, economic mismanagement, and severe censorship, further fueling the public’s discontent
Moreover, Raisi’s past involvement in Iran’s judicial system, particularly his role in the ‘Panel of Death,’ has earned him the moniker ” Butcher of Tehran” among his opponents. Masih Alinejad, a prominent women’s rights activist, humorously declared the day of the crash as “World Helicopter Day,” highlighting the global anticipation surrounding Raisi’s fate.
Videos circulating online depict Iranians within the country dancing to news coverage of the crash, while diaspora communities, such as those in London, expressed their joy through public celebrations.
However, amidst the jubilation, there’s speculation about the crash’s cause, with conspiracy theories ranging from Mossad involvemer to weather- related incidents. Harounoff emphasized the proliferation of such theories, cautioning against believing everything circulating online.
Notably, victims of the Iranian government’s oppressive tactics all took to social media to share their relief. The daughters of Minoo Majidi, an anti- regime protestor who was fatally shot during uprisings in 2022, posted a video toasting to the news of Raisi’ s potential demise.
Notably, victims of the Iranian government’s oppressive tactics all took to social media to share their relief. The daughters of Minoo Majidi, an anti- regime protestor who was fatally shot during uprisings in 2022, posted a video toasting to the news of Raisi’ s potential demise.
Additionally, survivors of the regime’s brutality, such as Mersedeh Shahinkar and Sima Moradbeigi, shared their experiences and expressed hope for a better future for Iran.
Conclusively, while the fate of Raisi remains uncertain, his potential downfall has ignited hope and celebration among Iranians both inside the country and abroad, symbolizing a potential turning point in Iran’s political landscape.
