While the Islamic world expressed its condolences over the death of the Iranian president, dubbed the “Butcher of Tehran” by critics, the European Union rose to prominence by joining among the democratic West.
Several Iranian political leaders were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. This appears to be because an Iranian plane encountered trouble returning from neighboring Azerbaijan due to bad weather. The downed helicopter also included Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, Governor of one of Iran’s northern provinces Malek Rahmati, and other members of Anadolu Agency’s entourage and crew. It was
Breitbart News reports that in 2023, the then-Iranian president was welcomed to the United States by President Biden to attend the United Nations in New York, even though he was subject to U.S. sanctions for “complicity in gross human rights violations.” We reported on Ebrahim Raisi at the time of his death. . Raisi has long been nicknamed “The Butcher of Tehran” and is on the sanctions list for “participating in the so-called ‘Death Penalty Committee’ that ordered the extrajudicial executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.” It was listed on.
JABAYAYYL, AZERBAIJAN – MAY 19: In this handout image provided by the Office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi appears in Azerbaijan during the inauguration ceremony of the Qiz Qarashi dam on the Aras River. Meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. His helicopter reportedly crashed on May 19, 2024 in Jabrayl, Azerbaijan, near the city of Jolfa on the border with Azerbaijan. (Photo credit: Office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, via Getty Images)
TEHRAN, IRAN – MAY 20: A headline in the country’s newspaper in Tehran, Iran, on May 20, 2024, reports the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The US sanctions order also said Raisi “was involved in the regime’s brutal crackdown on Iranian Green Movement protests following the chaotic and disorderly 2009 elections.” As reported, Raisi has an “extensive criminal record for ordering mass executions of opponents of the Islamic regime, and is responsible for thousands of political prisoners, including pregnant women and teenage girls.” He is accused of involvement in a series of gross human rights violations, including executions.
Iran’s allies were quick to offer their condolences, but Western countries were more cautious. Nevertheless, Belgian centrist-liberal European Council President Charles Michel immediately spoke on behalf of the entire European Union, he said.
“The EU expresses its deepest condolences on the loss of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian and other members of the delegation and crew members in a helicopter accident,” Prime Minister Michel wrote on Monday morning. Our thoughts are with your family. ”
Theo Franken is also a Eurosceptic MP from Belgium who previously served as immigration minister in Belgium’s government and is active in NATO. middle east group He expressed concern about Europe’s message. The politician was among the first to react to the announcement that the EU was acting in “solidarity” with Iran to help the country in the aftermath of the crash. said: “Are you completely crazy? This man is a first-class mass murderer.
“What’s next? Save [Putin]What a bunch of geopolitical minions this EU Commission is.? ”
BERZEGAN, IRAN – MAY 19: Medical and rescue teams from the Iranian town of Berzegan after one of the helicopters convoying Iranian President Raisi crashed after the completion of a border dam with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the Jabrail district. We arrived at the accident scene. Azerbaijan photo, May 19, 2024 (Photo by Azin Haghigi / Moj News Agency/Anadolu via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ajin Hagighi/Moj News Agency/Anadolu via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ajin Hagighi/Moj News Agency/Anadolu via Getty Images)
On Monday, after Michelle’s message of condolence was broadcast, Franken said: replied againHe said it was hypocritical for European leaders to express condolences to Iran while the regime was holding European diplomats and aid workers hostage. he said: “Oh, my fellow Europeans, my condolences on the death of a butcher and brutal mass murderer.
“Where are the fake tears you showed to EU diplomats Olivier Vandecaster and Johann Frodels, who are still abducted by the regime? You will not speak in my name.”
Michel’s claim that he was not speaking in the name of all Europeans attracted some attention, and soon after Geert Wilders, right-wing populists currently working to form a new government in the Netherlands joined in the call. On Monday morning, he denounced “the EU’s association with evil” and wrote: “Not in my name.”
The first expressions of sympathy for Iran came from allies around the world, with the presidents of China and Russia, India, Pakistan, and even OPEC issuing statements. The terrorist group Hamas and Yemen’s Houthi militia, which are receiving military support from Iran in their war with the West, also expressed their “deepest condolences.” report of jerusalem post office.
For now, condolences from Western government leaders have been difficult to come by. Indeed, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni mentioned this on Monday morning in the context of expressing hope that the next generation of Iranian leaders will be committed to regional stability and peace.
