This reaction was particularly strong among freedom fighters and advocates who have long opposed his brutal regime. Bereaved mothers, families of martyrs, and countless others who had lost loved ones distributed sweets and congratulated each other, expressing relief and gratitude for the demise of the “Butcher of 1988.”
This spontaneous nationwide celebration echoed the public jubilation following the death of Assadollah Lajevardi, the notorious executioner of Evin Prison. Lajevardi’s demise had similarly sparked a wave of national euphoria, reflecting widespread anger over his crimes and the tortures and executions he orchestrated against the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) and other freedom fighters in the early 1980s.
Raisi’s death was particularly significant because of his role in the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, where he served on the Death Committee enforcing Khomeini’s decree. This event, which led to the execution of approximately 30,000 political prisoners, primarily PMOI members and supporters, remains a dark chapter in Iran’s history. Khamenei had favored Raisi for his role in these atrocities, appointing him president to consolidate the regime’s rule of terror.
Celebrations extended beyond Iran’s borders, with freedom-loving Iranians and supporters in Syria, Iraq, and even Gaza joining in. These scenes starkly contrasted the regime’s propaganda, which claims it enjoys popular support.
Globally, the reaction to Raisi’s death has been mixed. Some politicians have extended condolences, maintaining a policy of appeasement towards the regime.
This has sparked outrage among lawmakers and politicians worldwide. Joanna Cotar, a member of the German Federal Parliament, criticized the European Council’s condolences, condemning the EU’s stance on social media and calling for a new approach to international relations with Iran.
اعتراض آقای حسینعلی منتظری به اعدامها ۶۷
چرا مجاهدی که به دهسال حبس محکوم شده است را اعدام میکنید؟
احمد خمینی از چند سال قبل(قبل از #قتل_عام۶۷ ) می گفت که باید مجاهدین را باید از نشریه خوان و روزنامه خوانش را اعدام کرد!
#بفرمایید_دادگاه #منم_مجاهدم #Iran… pic.twitter.com/7MofKfJjoc— ایران ما (@iranema2017) August 9, 2023
The death of Ebrahim Raisi has not only brought shame to those offering condolences but also underscored a significant truth: regimes built on murder, torture, and repression are despised by their people. The Iranian people’s celebration is a potent reminder of their yearning for justice and the eventual demise of oppressive leaders.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
