Shiite Muslims gather to mourn the death of Iran’s supreme leader

Over 200 Shiite Muslims gathered in front of the Iranian Embassy in Bangkok today, to pay their respects to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran, who was killed by US-Israeli air strikes at the start of the war on February 28.

Ali Zahusaini, one of the gathering’s leaders, told the media that their presence today was to represent about 45,000 Shiite Muslims in Thailand who have deep respect for and faith in the late Ayatollah. He was regarded as the spiritual leader of Shiite Muslims around the world.

Zahusaini said they were profoundly sad over the assassination of the Ayatollah, adding that their peaceful gathering was also intended to express moral support for the government and people of Iran.

He also said that they had wanted to rally in front of the US and Israeli embassies, but were asked by the Thai government not to do so.

About 30 police officers from Thonglor police station, the Special Branch and anti-riot police were deployed to the Iranian Embassy during the rally to maintain peace and order.

The peaceful rally lasted for about an hour before the group dispersed.