In a significant move that underscores the deep-seated tensions between Israel and Iran, Ambassador Gilad Erdan made a poignant exit from the United Nations General Assembly hall. His departure came immediately as the President of Iran, Raisi, known to many as “The Butcher of Tehran,” began his address.
Erdan’s protest was not silent. As he left, he held aloft a photograph of Mehsa Amini, a young woman brutally murdered by the Iranian regime approximately a year ago. Her crime? Failing to wear a hijab in what the regime deemed a “proper” manner.
Outside the UN, the atmosphere was equally charged. Hundreds of Iranians gathered in protest, their voices united in a plea for international intervention against the oppressive actions of their home country’s regime.
Ambassador Erdan later took to social media to express his sentiments, stating, “I will never stop fighting for the truth and I will always expose the UN’s moral distortions. Those who roll out the red carpet for murderers and antisemites must be held accountable for their actions!”
New moral stain for the UN ‼️
When President Raisi of Iran, the “Butcher of Tehran,” began his speech, I waved a picture of Mahsa Amini, the innocent Iranian woman who was brutally murdered by the regime one year ago for not wearing a hijab “properly.”
Meanwhile, outside the UN… pic.twitter.com/ZVq80Zpt9N
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) September 19, 2023
Iran has been at the center of international scrutiny for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, and its alleged support for extremist groups in the region. The country’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to numerous instances of public executions, suppression of women’s rights, and persecution of religious minorities.
The case of Mehsa Amini is just one of many that highlight the regime’s oppressive nature. Women in Iran face severe restrictions on their dress and behavior, with many facing harsh penalties for perceived infractions.
The United Nations, an organization founded on the principles of peace, security, and human rights, has been criticized for providing a platform to leaders with questionable human rights records. The decision to allow President Raisi, an individual with direct ties to many of Iran’s most controversial and violent actions, to address the General Assembly has raised eyebrows and questions about the UN’s commitment to its foundational principles.
Many argue that by giving Raisi a platform, the UN indirectly endorses or at least turns a blind eye to the actions of his regime. This incident with Ambassador Erdan brings to light the broader issue of how the international community should engage with leaders who are deemed extremist and potentially dangerous to global security.
