Massive Memorial Ceremony Amid Mourning for Late Iranian President Raisi

Contrasting Moods Felt Amid Mourning
Opponents Regard It as 'Good News'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A memorial ceremony for Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran who died in a helicopter crash, was held amid the mourning of tens of thousands. At the memorial held on the 22nd at Tehran University in Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, recited Islamic prayers honoring the deceased, including President Raisi.

According to AFP and other agencies, even before the memorial ceremony began, tens of thousands of people dressed in black gathered near Tehran University. The funeral procession, which started from Tehran University, continued to Enghelab Square in the city center. On the coffin of the late President Raisi, a black turban symbolizing the direct descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad was placed alongside the Iranian flag.

The memorial was attended by over 40 high-ranking officials, including Mohammad Mokhber, Acting President of Iran, and Ali Bagheri Kani, Acting Foreign Minister of Iran, as well as foreign dignitaries. Foreign media reported that leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, one of Iran’s major power institutions, and the armed group Hamas also attended the event.

Foreign media reported that while a mourning atmosphere for President Raisi is spreading throughout Iran, there is also anger toward the president who purged dissidents and committed human rights abuses. The New York Times stated, "Some Iranians mourned Raisi, but others welcomed his death, viewing him as a key figure in the corrupt regime that oversaw the execution of dissidents, violently suppressed and killed protesters, and arrested journalists and activists." The British BBC also reported that "opponents called Raisi’s death 'good news'."

Earlier, the bodies of President Raisi and others arrived at Mehrabad Airport in the capital Tehran on the afternoon of the previous day. Government and military officials lined the red carpet to welcome them. Iran declared a five-day national mourning period starting on the 20th, when Raisi’s death was confirmed. The day of the memorial ceremony was designated an official public holiday. Foreign media reported that on the 23rd, Raisi’s body will be moved to his hometown and a major Shiite Islamic holy site, Mashhad, and will be buried at the mausoleum of the 8th Shiite religious leader.

Meanwhile, President Raisi went missing on the 19th after attending a dam completion ceremony in a border area with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others. After about 15 hours of search, it was confirmed that all passengers, including President Raisi, died in the helicopter crash.