Iranian Student, Labor Unions Call Death of Raisi ‘National Festival’

Student and labor unions from 19 universities in Iran have issued a joint statement declaring the death of Ebrahim Raisi and his companions as a cause for public celebration, likening it to a "national festival."

These groups view the helicopter crash that killed Raisi as a precursor to the fall of the Islamic Republic.

In their statement on Saturday, the signatories said, "We, the people, are rejoicing over the death of this criminal. Despite intense security measures in various cities, we have organized nightly celebrations with fireworks, dancing, and the distribution of sweets." They emphasized that recent days have been filled with joy and mockery directed at Raisi. 

Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian president, died last Sunday in a helicopter crash in the northwestern mountains of Iran. The news of his death, along with that of his foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, hassparked jubilation on social media. Many on social media celebrated the deaths citing their roles in human rights abuses and oppression over the past four decades.

In another part of the statement, the unions declare, "The nationwide solidarity and our boundless joy transcend mere emotional responses to the death of tyrants." They affirm, "This is the voice of mothers seeking justice."

Iran International reported on Monday that the deaths of Raisi and his entourage have brought joy to the families of dissidents killed by security forces during protests.

In conclusion, the statement calls on activists, organizations, and media to harness the public's "high spirits and nationwide solidarity" fromthe celebration to fuel the next steps toward "a victorious revolution." They urge a focused effort on accelerating the society-wide movement towards protests and strikes.