In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, former US Vice President Mike Pence stirred controversy with his message of condolences. While many Western governments and organizations offered their sympathies to the Iranian people, Pence went further by stating that the world is a safer place without Raisi. He cited his involvement in the deaths of thousands of Iranian political prisoners and his support for terrorist activities in the region as reasons for his sentiment.
Pence’s message was met with mixed reactions, with some Iranians sharing his sentiments while others condemned him for his words. Raisi was known for his role in overseeing the executions of political prisoners in 1988 and his persecution of dissidents throughout his career, earning him the nickname “The Butcher of Tehran.”
The response to Raisi’s death also highlighted the complex relationship between international leaders and the Iranian government, as well as the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy in Iran. While some may view Raisi’s death as a positive development, others see it as merely a temporary reprieve from the oppressive regime that continues to infringe on basic human rights.