While hundreds gathered in Tehran and Mashhad’s main squares to pray for President Ebrahim Raisi’s safety following reports of his helicopter crash, a contrasting wave of videos and reports emerged showing Iranians celebrating the news. Many Iranians and expatriates on social media were seen sharing jokes and memes about the incident. Raisi wasn’t just the President of Iran; he was widely considered the successor to Ali Khamenei as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad captured the mood on X (formerly Twitter) by commenting, “I think this is the only crash in history where everyone is worried if someone survived.” She added humorously, “Happy World Helicopter Day!” highlighting the mixed reactions to the news of Raisi’s accident.

But why this jubilation over the potential death of a national leader? Is the celebration directed solely at Raisi, or does it symbolize a broader resistance against a repressive theocratic regime?

While many anxiously awaited updates on President Raisi’s condition, a significant number of Iranians at home and abroad were seen celebrating the possible demise of the 63-year-old leader, often referred to as the “Butcher of Tehran.” Raisi’s hardline policies and brutal enforcement of Islamic laws have made him a deeply polarizing figure.

Raisi represented a shift in Iran’s image from a moderate and modern Shia Muslim country to an extremely conservative state after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The helicopter crash, which also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others, marked a dramatic moment in Iranian politics.

Known for his close ties to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Raisi was a hardliner expected to become Iran’s next Supreme Leader. His reputation for crushing dissent and enforcing the harsh “hijab and chastity law” made him a target of widespread disdain. This law granted the morality police extensive powers to restrict women’s attire and maintain strict Islamic codes of conduct.

Ebrahim Raisi:

The enforcement of such laws sparked nationwide protests, particularly after the custodial death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, who was arrested for not wearing a hijab. These protests represented one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian regime since the 1979 revolution.

Also read. Jhanak Serial Update: WOW! Jhanak and Anirudh’s Romantic Meeting

As a student, Raisi participated in protests against the liberal Shah of Iran, contributing to the Shah’s overthrow during the 1979 revolution. Now, his death—whether celebrated or mourned—reflects the deep divisions within Iranian society and the ongoing struggle between conservative forces and those yearning for reform and freedom.