Following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranians living in Western countries have expressed their desire for liberalism and a shift away from religious conservatism in Iran. These sentiments are particularly strong among Iranian emigrants and political asylum seekers in places such as Los Angeles, which has a significant Iranian community.
In a district of Los Angeles, where Iranian heritage is prominently displayed, the local Iranian population has shown a markedly different reaction to Raisi's death compared to those mourning in Iran. Many of these Iranians advocate for a secular and liberal governance model, arguing that such a shift is necessary to lift international sanctions and strengthen Iran's diplomatic standing.
Ari Rashti, an Iranian living in the United States, expressed optimism about potential change: "I think there is a lot of room for change. It is possible to change the way of life of Iranians. It is a big challenge though." Similarly, Daniel Tousi called for an end to the current religious regime in Iran, reflecting a widespread desire for political and social reform.
This sentiment is echoed across various European countries, including Germany, where many Iranians reside. An Iranian living in Germany emphasized the need for democracy and personal freedom in Iran: "We want democracy to return to Iran. As well as personal freedom." Mohammad Reza Sharafati added, "We hope Iran will regain its independence."
The call for liberalism among the Iranian diaspora is rooted in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which led many to seek refuge in Western countries. Estimates suggest that about 5 million Iranians are currently living abroad, many of whom support a shift towards a more open and democratic Iran.
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