Iranians Celebrate After President Ebrahim Raisi's Fatal Helicopter Crash

Following reports of a helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranians both at home and abroad have been seen celebrating the news. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist, noted on social media that this might be the only crash where people are wondering if anyone survived, reflecting the widespread disdain for Raisi.

In Tehran and Mashhad, crowds gathered to pray for Raisi's safety, but many Iranians took to social media with jokes and memes about the crash. Videos showed celebratory fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Raisi, known as the "Butcher of Tehran" for his role in the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988, had been President since August 2021 and was expected to become the next Supreme Leader. His harsh enforcement of Islamic laws, particularly against women, and his role in crushing dissent had made him deeply unpopular. The custodial death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 had already sparked significant protests against the regime.

The celebrations highlight the deep-seated anger and frustration of many Iranians towards their government. Raisi's death has also fueled hopes for a potential overthrow of the theocratic regime. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has been deployed to prevent further unrest, but the joy over Raisi's death signals a strong undercurrent of resistance against the repressive state.