UN General Assembly’s Tribute to Iran’s Late President Ebrahim Raisi Marred by Protests and Western-Europe Snubs

The recent United Nations General Assembly’s tribute to Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi turned controversial as Western and East European nations snubbed the event in protest against honoring a leader known for his harsh crackdown on opponents.

The assembly’s tradition of paying tribute to a sitting head of state who has passed away saw representatives from the African, Asian-Pacific, and Latin American and Caribbean regional groups speaking warmly of Raisi. However, noticeably absent were remarks from the West European and East European groups, as well as the United States.

In a statement, the US Mission to the UN spokesperson Nate Evans made it clear that the United States would not participate in the tribute event for Raisi, citing his involvement in horrific human rights abuses, including mass executions of political prisoners in 1988.

Outside the UN headquarters, more than 100 protesters gathered with banners condemning the tribute to Raisi, calling him the “Butcher of Tehran” and demanding that the UN stand with the people of Iran instead.

The controversy surrounding Raisi’s legacy stems from his role in mass atrocities, including the extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners and the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Despite the divisive opinions, tributes from African, Asian-Pacific, and Latin American and Caribbean groups praised Raisi for his service and dedication to international cooperation.

The absence of remarks from the West European and East European groups, as well as the US, underscored the polarizing nature of Raisi’s legacy. While some nations chose to honor his contributions, others opted to stay silent as a form of protest against his controversial past.

The protests and diplomatic rift surrounding the UN tribute to Raisi highlight the complexities of international relations and the challenges of balancing diplomatic protocol with human rights concerns. Ultimately, the event served as a stark reminder of the divisions within the global community when it comes to honoring leaders with contentious legacies.