In a statement following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, former US Vice President Mike Pence expressed his belief that the world is safer with Raisi gone. While many Western leaders offered condolences to the Iranian people for Raisi’s passing, Pence highlighted Raisi’s role in overseeing thousands of executions as a member of the “Death Committee” in 1988.
Raisi was also known for his involvement in violence and terrorism during his time in power. However, some Iranians celebrated the demise of a man they referred to as “The Butcher of Tehran.” Pence condemned the expression of sympathy for Raisi, citing his long history of persecuting dissidents and his involvement in countless executions.
In contrast, other Western politicians condemned the expression of sympathy for Raisi, calling it an unjustified celebration of a man who had committed atrocities against Iran’s political prisoners. Pence expressed hope that Raisi’s death would give the people of Iran the opportunity to seek freedom and bring an end to Iran’s history of terror.
