Iranian President Raisi, ’s memorial muted amid public discontent
Fact: President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border along with his foreign minister and seven others.
executions
In divided Iran, president’s death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration
Iran declared five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi, but the response was subdued compared to previous senior figure deaths. Despite prayers and mourning, most shops remained open. Raisi’s crackdown on anti-establishment protests in 2022-2023 led to opposition celebrating his death. Critics do not expect significant change in the regime after his passing. Raisi’s legacy is divisive, with supporters praising his work ethic and opponents condemning his role in past executions. Many Iranians believe another hardline figure will replace him, continuing the current regime’s policies.
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of terrorism in latest mass executions, security officials say
Iraq hanged 11 militants convicted of terrorism charges in Nassiriya. The executions were carried out on Monday, and all those executed were Iraqi nationals. The men were found guilty of joining the Islamic State and participating in terrorist activities. Amnesty International expressed concern about the lack of transparency surrounding executions in Iraq.