“We are still missing Raeisi because one of his great characteristics had been his devotion and dedication towards Imam.”
The reputed scholar made remarks during a gathering of scholars at Imam Khomeini’s holy shrine.
Seyyed Hassan Khomeini also hailed services rendered by martyrs throughout the history of the Islamic Revolution.
The remarks come as Iran commemorates the first anniversary of former president Ebrahim Raeisi’s martyrdom.
Addressing a ceremony, the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei earlier said that
“Martyr Raeisi did not consider himself to be superior to the people,” Ayatollah Khemenei noted, praising Raeisi’s approach to his official duties, and underscoring his belief in being equal to the people he served.
“He considered himself to be in the same rank as that of the people, to be like the people, themselves, and even of a smaller stance,” the Leader stated.
Raeisi’s life was cut short during a tragic helicopter crash in the northwestern Iranian East Azerbaijan Province on May 19, 2024. The crash also claimed the lives of several other senior officials, including former foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The Bell 212 helicopter, en route from a dam inauguration event, lost contact about 30 minutes into the flight, with dense fog being later blamed for the aircraft’s collision with mountain.
The wreckage was found the following day, and no evidence of mechanical failure or foul play was discovered.
The incident was followed by an outpour of international sympathy.
Elsewhere in his remarks at Imam shrine, Seyyed Hassan Khomeini strongly denounced the world’s silence on the crimes being committed by the Israeli regime across the besieged Gaza Strip.
Citing news reports, he said thousands of babies and children could die if humanitarian aid doesn’t reach to the blockaded Palestinian region in coming hours and days.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher on Tuesday warned that as many as 14,000 babies could lose their lives in Gaza within 48 hours if the siege of the Palestinian territory continues.
With American support, the Israeli genocide has so far killed over 53,760 Palestinians and injured almost 122,200 others. Most of the victims have been women and children.