Raisi’s death a challenge for Iran

Raisi’s death a challenge for Iran

The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has led to new developments in Iran and the wider Middle East region. Raisi was a ruthless and conservative leader with a dark history of executing political prisoners and suppressing protests. His death comes at a crucial time, with internal unrest in Iran and Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Questions arise about potential future developments, especially as the Iranian vice president will assume interim leadership and new elections must be held within 50 days. The regime may prefer a similar figure to Raisi, but opposition groups may see this as an opportunity for change. The president’s death could lead to further unrest in Iran, with potential implications both domestically and internationally.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

Exiled Belarusian political opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Cyprus and met with House president Annita Demetriou and the House foreign affairs committee. The European Union must play an active role in confronting dictatorial regimes, and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus is also Cyprus’ struggle. Thousands of political prisoners have been taken hostage in Belarus, and Tsikhanouskaya thanked Cyprus for supporting Belarusians in their fight for democratic changes.