The Biden administration's expression of condolences for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who point to Raisi's involvement in mass executions and other abuses.
The State Department's official expression of condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has sparked controversy, with human rights advocates questioning the propriety of offering sympathy to a leader accused of grave human rights violations.
In a statement, the agency conveyed its "official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran."
However, Raisi's presidency has been marked by a crackdown on dissent and a disregard for basic human rights. Nicknamed the "Butcher of Tehran," Raisi oversaw mass executions of political prisoners in 1988 and has been implicated in countless other abuses.
"He's been responsible for the incarceration, torture, rape, and murder of tens of thousands of people over the last few decades," said Gerard Filitti, senior counsel with the Lawfare Project. "Raisi is not a man who will be missed."
The outpouring of condolences has perplexed critics, who argue that it effectively legitimizes a regime with a long history of human rights violations.
"While it is understandable for the State Department to issue condolences when there is the death of a foreign head of state, it's baffling that someone who has such an atrocious record of violating human rights...is someone who is receiving this outpouring of condolences," Filitti added.
Others have pointed to Iran's close ties with Russia and its ongoing support for terrorist activities as further reasons for withholding sympathy.
"I don't feel comfortable sending condolences while Iran is sending drones that are used against civilians in Ukraine," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's minister of foreign affairs.
The Biden administration's approach towards Iran has been characterized by an attempt to appease Tehran through nuclear deal negotiations and the release of billions of dollars. Critics argue that this strategy has failed to address Iran's human rights abuses and has emboldened the regime.
"It's really troubling that now we're seeing, effectively, a continuation of that," said Filitti.
The United Nations Security Council also honored Raisi with a moment of silence, a move that was criticized by some members. U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black also acknowledged Raisi's death during his invocation, drawing further criticism.
Despite these concerns, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explained that the U.S. regrets the loss of life but maintains a firm stance against Raisi's human rights record.
"We have been quite clear that Ebrahim Raisi was a brutal participant in the repression of the Iranian people for nearly four decades," Miller said. "Some of the worst human rights abuses occurred during his tenure as president, especially the human rights abuses against the women and girls of Iran."
The Iranian government expressed gratitude for the UNSC's condolences, while human rights advocates continue to call for accountability and an end to impunity for those responsible for human rights abuses.
