Western and East European Nations Snub U.N. Tribute to Iran’s Late President

The recent tribute to Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi at the U.N. General Assembly sparked controversy as Western and East European nations boycotted the event. Raisi, known for his crackdown on opponents and involvement in human rights abuses, received warm tributes from African nations, but was shunned by others.

The United States, in particular, refused to attend the tribute, citing Raisi’s role in horrific human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Protesters gathered outside the U.N. headquarters, condemning the memorial for the “Butcher of Tehran.”

Prior to the tribute, a group of U.N. officials, experts, ambassadors, and judges wrote a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres expressing their objections to honoring Raisi, who had been sanctioned by the U.S. for his role in mass executions and other atrocities.

While some praised Raisi’s dedication to Iranian society and international cooperation, others pointed to his controversial legacy, including his alleged involvement in the death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent crackdown on protestors.

The decision by Western and East European nations to skip the tribute underscored the deep divide over Raisi’s legacy and the ongoing human rights issues in Iran. The U.N. Secretary-General assured the Iranian people of the organization’s support for peace, development, and fundamental freedoms, but refrained from offering a tribute to the late president.

As tensions simmered at the General Assembly, the event highlighted the complex diplomatic challenges faced by the international community in dealing with leaders accused of grave human rights abuses.