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Iran’s late president described as advocate for justice

todayMay 21, 2024 59

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Muslim political party, Al Jama-ah, has described Iran’s late leader, Ebrahim Raisi, as someone who was committed to the plight of the oppressed and dispossessed, including the Palestinian people.
The party yesterday joined other world leaders who’ve paid tribute to Raisi, his foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other senior officials who passed away on Sunday in a horrific helicopter crash in northern Iran.
The country has since declared five days of mourning.
Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, is serving as the interim leader, while a new presidential election will be set up within 50 days of Raisi’s death.
The tragedy comes amid tensions in the Middle East over Iran’s recent botched drone and missile attack on Israel, which was in response to Tel Aviv’s deadly strike on Iran’s diplomatic compound in Damascus.
Speaking to YNews, Al Jama-ah party council member and former Joburg Mayor, Thapelo Amad, reflected on Raisi’s tenure in office.
He says the 64-year-old fought for his country’s independence, even when the West imposed sanctions that adversely affected Iran’s economy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also extended his condolences to Iranians.

In a statement, Ramaphosa described Raisi’s death as an unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations.

Another BRICS member state, and Iran’s longest allay, Russian President Vladimir Putin, has also described Raisi’s passing as a great tragedy.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has hailed Raisi as someone who was dedicated to peace and justice.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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