Controversial Moment of Silence: UN Honors 'Butcher of Tehran' Raisi Following Fatal Helicopter Crash

 UN Holds Moment of Silence for 'Butcher of Tehran' Raisi After Iranian President Dies in Helicopter Crash

In an unexpected and controversial move, the United Nations held a moment of silence on Monday to honour Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, following his death in a helicopter crash. Raisi, often referred to as the "Butcher of Tehran" for his role in human rights abuses, was mourned by representatives from various nations, including the United States, at the U.N. Security Council.

The minute of silence was requested by Russia, China, and Algeria, which prompted the attendance of U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood. This act, however, was met with sharp criticism from certain quarters, notably from Israeli U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who labelled it a "disgrace." Erdan expressed his indignation, highlighting the U.N. Security Council's failure to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas since the 7th October attack on Israel. He condemned the council for honouring a man he accused of orchestrating massacres in Iran, Israel, and globally, drawing a provocative parallel to Hitler.

During a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller addressed the participation of the United States in the moment of silence. Miller reiterated the U.S.'s condemnation of Raisi, describing him as a brutal enforcer of Iran's repressive regime for nearly four decades. He recounted Raisi's involvement in severe human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Despite this, Miller added that the U.S. regretted any loss of life, indicating that the participation in the moment of silence did not negate the U.S.'s recognition of Raisi's reprehensible record.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, an expert on Iranian security at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, criticised both the U.N. and the State Department. He argued that the U.N.'s actions represented a failure to assert moral clarity, suggesting that prioritising diplomatic formalities over the stark realities of Raisi's past was misguided.

A senior adviser to the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. clarified the situation to Fox News Digital, stating that standing for moments of silence in the Security Council is a diplomatic norm and does not imply honouring Raisi. The adviser emphasised the U.S.'s consistent opposition to Raisi's repressive and brutal regime, noting his significant role in human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls in Iran.

Raisi's death, confirmed by Iranian state media on Monday, occurred alongside other officials, including the foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, following a helicopter crash in a foggy, mountainous region of northwestern Iran. The crash happened as Raisi was returning from inaugurating a dam at Iran's border with Azerbaijan with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Raisi, seen as a protégé of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was considered a potential successor within the country's Shiite theocracy. His death, however, has brought renewed scrutiny of his human rights record. Notably, in 1988, Raisi was a key figure on what became known as "death commissions," responsible for sentencing thousands of political prisoners and others to death at the end of the Iran-Iraq War. International human rights organisations estimate that these executions numbered around 5,000.

Despite this, Raisi defended his actions, claiming pride in his role as a defender of human rights and public security. However, his presidency saw what many describe as a significant increase in state repression and violence against peaceful dissent in Iran. Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, noted that Raisi presided over a regime that severely oppressed its people, suggesting that although Raisi is gone, others are ready to continue his legacy of repression.