German Foreign Minister to Voice of America: I Continue to Express Solidarity with the People of Iran, Especially Women

Following some criticism regarding the German government's condolence message to the Islamic Republic, the foreign minister of this European country told Voice of America that expressions of sympathy and humanity cannot be divided; however, she emphasized her solidarity with the people of Iran. Annalena Baerbock, in response to a written question from Voice of America regarding the criticism that condolences to the Iranian government on one hand and sympathy for the Iranian people on the other hand are contradictory from the perspective of opponents, stated that humanity cannot be divided. She wrote, 'We cannot divide humanity, and that is why I will express sympathy for all those who lose a father or brother-in-law, or mother, or anyone else. We must put ourselves in their place.' The German foreign minister further emphasized, 'But I continue to express solidarity with the people of Iran, and most importantly with the women of Iran.' The condolence messages from some Western countries and international organizations to the Islamic Republic following the deaths of Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and their accompanying delegation on Sunday, May 19, have sparked widespread criticism. Several European lawmakers criticized the solidarity expressed by European officials with the Iranian government, and many users on social media expressed their opposition to this action by sharing the hashtag '#NotInMyName.' In the United States, mainly Republican politicians continued their opposition to President Joe Biden's condolence message for the death of the thirteenth president of the Islamic Republic, calling Ebrahim Raisi the 'Butcher of Tehran' and condemning any sympathy for his death. In response to these criticisms, the U.S. government emphasized its continued support for the people of Iran. Gilad Erdan, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, also reacted to the Security Council members' tribute to the death of Ebrahim Raisi and his companions on the social media platform X, calling this action 'a disgrace.' Senator Ted Cruz stated: 'Raisi was the Butcher of Tehran, and the world is a better place without him.' Criticism from several journalists regarding the official U.S. position on Raisi's death; voiced by a Voice of America reporter. Strong criticism from Israel regarding the UN's 'tribute' to Raisi: he was 'the Butcher of Tehran.' Senate Republicans called Ebrahim Raisi 'the Butcher of Tehran' and condemned the condolence message for his death; Blinken under pressure from criticisms. Israel: The UN rolled out the red carpet for both the living and dead Raisi. The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives called Raisi 'a tyrant'; the National Security Council spokesperson defended the government's 'condolence.' Criticism from the Israeli representative regarding the Security Council's tribute on the occasion of Raisi's death; Erdan: 'A minute of silence for the death of Hitler?' Criticism from European lawmakers regarding the EU officials' reaction to Raisi's death: 'Do not express solidarity with the perpetrators of the repression of Iranians.'