Iran Buries Late President Ebrahim Raisi in Mashhad Shrine
By Caroline Ameh
Iran’s late President, Ebrahim Raisi, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad, following his tragic death in a helicopter crash four days ago. The 63-year-old hard-line cleric, revered in Shia Islam, was buried at the holy shrine of Imam Reza amidst a solemn ceremony.
The funeral procession in Mashhad saw large crowds gathering along the city’s main streets, paying their respects to the departed leader. Raisi’s burial at the gold-domed Imam Reza Shrine, dedicated to the eighth Shia imam, marks the conclusion of days of mourning and ceremonies held across the country.
Among the seven other casualties of the crash was Raisi’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who was interred at the Shah Abdolazim shrine in Rey, Tehran’s southern suburb, earlier this week.
The transition of power is currently overseen by Mohammad Mokhber, Raisi’s former First Vice President, who will serve as acting president until the upcoming election on June 28th. Leaders from Iran’s allies and neighboring countries attended commemorative events in Tehran, honoring Raisi’s legacy.
However, the absence of senior Western officials at the ceremony underscores the strained relations between their countries and Iran. Despite efforts to portray national unity during the funeral processions, dissenting voices exist, with some celebrating Raisi’s demise, citing his controversial tenure.
Raisi’s presidency was marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including his involvement in the crackdown on protests and alleged participation in mass executions during the 1980s. His tenure also witnessed economic challenges and heightened tensions with Israel, culminating in direct military confrontations.
Investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash, involving an aging US-made Bell 212 aircraft, are ongoing. Iranian authorities attribute the crash to adverse weather conditions, with fog and heavy rain hindering visibility during the flight to Tabriz.
Raisi’s sudden demise leaves a void in Iran’s political landscape, prompting reflection on his tenure and the future trajectory of the nation.
