Mourners across Iran have gathered to honour their president, who died in a helicopter crash. Here are the key details:
- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others were killed when their helicopter crashed on Sunday
- The cause of the crash is still being investigated but may have been due to technical failure
- Massive crowds turned out to view the president’s coffin as it was transported across Iran
- However, some Iranians celebrated raisi’s death as he was unpopular with parts of the public
President’s Body Travels from Crash Site
On Sunday, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in a remote northwestern region near the border with Azerbaijan. All eight people on board were killed, including Raisi and his foreign minister.
After the fatal crash, the president’s body was brought from the rural mountain site to be prepared for a series of farewell ceremonies. Raisi’s coffin has been moving across Iran by vehicle accompanied by a military procession.
Huge Mournful Crowds Line the Streets
Thousands of supporters came out to watch the coffin’s journey. Tightly packed crowds lined the streets and roadways in each city and town passed through. Many appeared to be grieving openly and emotionally.
One reporter described it as “a carefully choreographed procession” moving through genuine, faithful followers of Iran’s Islamic regime. For the country’s leaders, the enormous crowds demonstrate a “show of force and support” for their late president.
But Some Iranians Celebrated raisi’s Death
However, the BBC journalist noted that not everyone publicly mournsmourned Raisi, who was “extremely unpopular” among many citizens. Despite the huge turnouts organized by officials, other Iranians have been “privately celebrating” the news of his death.
Raisi entered office in 2021 after winning with the lowest percentage of eligible voters in Iran’s history. During his tenure as president, he was widely criticized by protesters and opposition groups.
Religious Body Will Choose New Leader
Over the next few days, the funeral procession will reach the capital Tehran. Iran’s supreme leader is expected to preside over the planned farewell ceremony.
The passing of Raisi is considered a major shock to Iran’s clerical leadership. It leaves an opening in the powerful Assembly of Experts, the body that will one day choose the next supreme leader to lead the country.
Some thought Raisi could have been a contender for that role before his death at age 60. The process of maintaining stability and selecting a new president will begin.
Future of Iran’s Leadership Uncertain
Did Raisi’s death expose any cracks or divisions within Iran’s regime? Will the next president be able to unite the nation? It remains to be seen how smoothly the change in leadership may go.
While many Iranians mourned publicly, it was also clear that others quietly opposed Raisi’s presidency. His low popularity made him a controversial figure during his time in office.
As the country bids farewell to Raisi, all eyes will be on what happens next regarding choosing his permanent successor and maintaining control. Only time will tell if Iran’s future will see more unity or civil unrest.
