Celebration or grief? Khamenei's death brings contrasting emotions in Iran

"The street was full! I had tears rolling down my eyes. No one outside can understand what Iranians who were victims of this murderer feel right now. I was hoping for the sake of Nika, Sarina and Mahsa that the news was true. I was hoping for the sake of Nika, Sarina and Mahsa that the news was true, referring to Nika Shakarami, Sarina Esmailzadeh and Mahsa Amini, three women who were killed in 2022."

"I saw people falling in front of us. I will never forget the scene of beautiful, young boys and girls with their whole lives ahead lying in a pool of blood. The only thing in my head at that moment was to hope those responsible for their murder will face a worse fate."

"More than 7,000 people have been confirmed killed in the demonstrations, with 11,000 more deaths under investigation, the US-based human rights group HRANA has found. Tens of thousands more were arrested or injured."

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death triggered polarized reactions across Iran after 36 years of leadership. In Tehran, crowds gathered to mourn with chants and placards, while simultaneously, videos showed celebrations with dancing, fireworks, and car horns. Young Iranians who experienced regime violence during recent protests expressed relief and catharsis. Over 7,000 confirmed deaths occurred during demonstrations, with 11,000 more under investigation according to HRANA. Tens of thousands were arrested or injured. Protesters, particularly women affected by the Women, Life, Freedom movement following deaths of Mahsa Amini, Nika Shakarami, and Sarina Esmailzadeh, viewed the news as vindication. The contrasting responses reveal profound societal fractures between regime supporters and those victimized by state violence.

Read at www.theguardian.com