By Austin Ogwuda with Agency Report
THE unfortunate helicopter crash that took the life of the Iran President, Ebrahim Raisi took a dramatic turn as many Iranians since Sunday were found rejoicing instead of mourning.
Vdeos obtained by Iran International show Iranians watching and cheering on fireworks set off reportedly in response to the news.
There are reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is increasing its presence in response to prevent an uprising.
“Aside from being one of the most conservative Presidents Iran has ever seen, Raisi rose to prominence in the Islamic Republic through the brutal judicial system where he was a member of the notorious ‘Panel of Death,’ sending thousands of political prisoners to the gallows. There’s a reason why he earned the moniker ‘Butcher of Tehran,” said Jonathan Harounoff, Israel and Iran journalist and analyst.
Harounoff told Iran International news that Raisi has become synonymous with everything opponents to the Islamic Republic inside Iran and abroad despise.
“Widespread bureaucratic corruption, woeful economic mismanagement, sky-high inflation, high unemployment. Not to mention tight censorship and severe punishment or death for political dissent,” said Harounoff.
Videos circulating on the platform X also show Iranians inside Iran dancing to the news outlets coverage of Raisi’s crash, and demise.
… Tinubu mourns
Meantime, the Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi; Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash.
President Tinubu expresses profound grief over this disturbing tragedy, and describes President Raisi as a leader who was passionately committed to the development of Iran.
“While commiserating with the bereaved families, President Tinubu prays for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation.
On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, the President assures the Islamic Republic of Nigeria’s support and prayers in this moment of grief”, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.