Iran's supreme leader has declared a period of mourning lasting five days. However, despite this official decree, reports indicate that fireworks and jubilant celebrations have erupted across the country following the confirmation of the death.

President Ebrahim Raisi
President Ebrahim Raisi

Iranian activists have expressed a reluctance to mourn the passing of the country's president, Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijani border. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has declared a five-day period of public mourning for Raisi, along with the foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other passengers aboard the helicopter. However, Iranians, speaking to the Guardian, have refused to grieve for a man they hold responsible for numerous deaths over his four-decade political career.


Raisi's presidency was marked by widespread protests following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody amid enforcement of Iran's strict hijab laws. The ensuing Woman, Life, Freedom protests led to the imprisonment of over 19,000 demonstrators, with at least 500 fatalities, including 60 children. Police continue to violently enforce hijab regulations, leading to further unrest.


Before news of Raisi's demise was confirmed, videos circulated on Telegram displaying celebratory fireworks, including some from Amini's hometown. Iranians both inside and outside the country shared posts condemning Raisi's oppressive presidency and his crackdown on dissent.

A relative of a teenager killed during the Mahsa Amini protests remarked on Raisi's death, stating, "Raisi's soul will never find peace for the lives he took. He was a murderer responsible for the deaths of many. Justice will only come when others like him are held accountable."

Among the victims of the protests was Minoo Majidi, a 62-year-old mother shot by security forces at close range. Her daughters expressed jubilation upon hearing news of the helicopter's disappearance.

Inside Tehran, sentiments vary. While social media reflects jubilation, the atmosphere in the country is more nuanced. Military presence in the streets has increased, and authorities have warned against public displays of happiness. However, many continue to celebrate, expressing hope for similar fates for other oppressive figures.

Reflecting on Raisi's death, a 22-year-old protester from 2022 commented, "His demise won't change the ongoing repression we face daily. It's neither joy nor sorrow but perhaps a glimpse of justice for our fallen comrades. Until the regime changes, our struggle for basic rights will persist.Taghi Rahmani, a political activist and the spouse of the imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, remarked, "Raisi's demise alone won't alter the fundamental leadership structure upheld by Supreme Leader Khamenei. However, we must now closely examine the unfolding political dynamics and power struggles within the regime, as per the Iranian constitution's mandate for new elections within 50 days."

Another protester, aged 30 from Tehran, reflected, "Life in Iran has taught us that sometimes, albeit painfully, one may find solace in the passing of certain individuals. I am hopeful amid the sorrow. We've endured loss but aspire to reclaim our homeland.