The United Nations General Assembly paid tribute to late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, sparking controversy due to his divisive legacy and human rights record. The session saw notable absences from Western and East European nations, while protests outside the U.N. headquarters highlighted opposition to honouring Raisi. The event comes ahead of Iran’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 28, 2024.
On May 30, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly held a tribute to Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. Raisi, 63, was a contentious figure, known for his role in the 1988 execution of thousands of political prisoners and for his heavy-handed crackdown on domestic dissent. He was considered a potential successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The tribute, which is customary for deceased heads of state according to the General Assembly’s tradition, saw significant snubs from Western and East European nations, including the United States, which did not attend the session. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Dennis Francis offered condolences, while representatives from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America praised Raisi’s contributions to international cooperation.
Outside the U.N. headquarters, over 100 protesters demonstrated against the tribute, highlighting Raisi’s human rights abuses. U.N. spokesperson Nate Evans confirmed the U.S. boycott, condemning Raisi’s record of human rights violations.
During the session, Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani commemorated Raisi and other officials who perished in the crash, promoting messages of resilience and governance. An Iranian election to select a new president is scheduled for June 28, 2024.
