Iranian Women Celebrate Death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Architect of Brutal Rights Crackdown

Scores of Iranian women celebrated the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday. They shared videos of themselves dancing on his grave, expressing their opposition to his oversight of a brutal crackdown on 2022 protests against the Islamic “morality police.”

Known as the “Butcher of Tehran,” Raisi died in a helicopter crash in a remote region of Iran on Sunday.

The daughters of Minoo Majidi, a 62-year-old woman killed during Iran’s violent 2022 protests, shared a clip of themselves toasting news of Raisi’s death. X

Despite the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, declaring five days of public mourning for the 63-year-old President, many women took to social media to celebrate his demise.

Mersedeh Shahinkar, who was blinded by Iranian security forces during the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death, tweeted, “We freely dance and celebrate on your dirty grave.” Shahinkar filmed herself smiling and dancing alongside Sima Moradbeigi, who lost her right arm after being shot by police during a women’s rights protest.

The 62-year-old woman, Minoo Majidi, was killed during the protests. Her daughters shared a video of themselves toasting Raisi’s death with the song “Helicopter” by Bosnian singer Fazlija playing in the background.

Mersedeh Shahinkar (right) and Sima Moradbeigi (left) danced in a clip after they were both disfigured during the 2022 protests. X / @mersedeh_eye

Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who lives in Brooklyn, shared a video of this mom and daughter rejoicing — just months after Raisi had ordered the execution of the woman’s son. X / @AlinejadMasih.

Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who lives in Brooklyn, also shared a video of a mother and daughter rejoicing months after Raisi had ordered the execution of the woman’s son. Alinejad tweeted, “Just a few months ago, Ebrahim Raisi executed her son. Now, she’s dancing over his death in a helicopter crash.”

“I told you Iranian women are wounded but unbowed to their oppressors. My social media is flooded with videos of the family members of those killed by the President of the Islamic Republic, celebrating his death,” Alinejad added.

A UN Human Rights Council report this year found that more than 500 Iranians were killed in the government’s brutal crackdown on the protests, with over 22,000 arrested. The report also revealed that Iranian security forces raped or sexually assaulted many women in custody.

In addition to dancing and drinking, footage circulating on social media showed people setting off fireworks and cheering in response to Raisi’s death. These scenes of celebration sharply contrasted with government loyalists packing into mosques and squares to pray for Raisi.

Raisi’s body, along with that of his foreign minister and six others, was found by rescuers early Monday after an overnight search in a blizzard and heavy fog. He was travelling in a convoy of helicopters when he crashed near the city of Jolfa, about 375 miles northwest of Tehran, according to Iran’s official news agency INRA.

Raisi, a reviled leader known as the “Butcher of Tehran”, died when his helicopter crashed in a remote region of the country Sunday, officials and state media said. Getty Images

Early footage and crash site images showed scattered debris and detached helicopter parts strewn across the mountainous terrain.

The crash and the resulting celebrations underscore the deep divisions and intense emotions within Iran regarding Raisi’s legacy and the government’s harsh response to dissent.

For many Iranian women, Raisi’s death represents a moment of vindication and a symbolic victory over oppression. Their public celebrations reflect their resilience and unyielding spirit in the face of brutal repression.

The widespread public rejoicing highlights the pent-up frustration and desire for justice among those who suffered under Raisi’s regime. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedoms in Iran.

The contrast between the mourning declared by the government and the celebrations by many citizens underscores the profound rift between the Iranian people and their leaders.

Raisi’s death has not only marked the end of a controversial figure but has also reignited the conversation about justice and human rights in Iran.

As Iran grapples with its political and social challenges, the reactions to Raisi’s death illustrate the enduring impact of his policies and the deep-seated desire for change among the Iranian populace.