The Islamic society of a prominent London university has triggered controversy by expressing grief over the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as an “unimaginable loss.”

The Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Society (ABSoc) at University College London referred to the Supreme Leader’s death as “martyrdom” and extended condolences on behalf of the entire society.

The society emphasized that “this is not the end of resistance,” urging Shia Muslims in the West to remain vigilant and prepared.

Khamenei, known for leading a harsh regime responsible for the deaths of thousands of his citizens, the oppression of women, and the funding of terrorist organizations, was described as “beloved” by the group.

In an Instagram post, the society’s mental health team lamented his death as an “unimaginable loss for the entire Ummah,” using the Arabic term for the worldwide Muslim community, and included a broken heart emoji.

The post featured a detailed statement expressing “sincere condolences on the martyrdom of our beloved,” and urged followers not to allow “the enemies of justice to rejoice over Muslim blood.”

Khamenei, who ruled Iran with an iron fist and was found to have committed repeated systematic human rights abuses, was killed on Saturday following joint strikes by Israel and the US.

Iran initially denied the Supreme Leader had been killed, before announcing his death and 40 days of mourning. 

The Islamic society at University College London has sparked outrage by mourning the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claiming it is an ‘unimaginable loss’

Khamenei, who presided over a brutal regime that slaughtered thousands of its own citizens, repressed women, and funded terror organisations, was branded ‘beloved’ by the group

Tehran, pictured on Monday, has been hit by Israeli and US strikes since Saturday, when they launched ‘pre-emptive’ attacks against the Iranian regime

Donald Trump branded Khamenei ‘one of the most evil people in history’, as he confirmed his killing. 

Mr Trump added: ‘He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.’

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman condemned the society’s post was a ‘disgrace’.

Speaking in Parliament, she said: ‘Disgracefully the pro-Ayatollah student society plans to host a commemorative event in name of the ‘fallen’ on the campus of University College London, i.e. in support of those who supported the brutal IRGC regime.

‘This is utterly wrong, that taxpayer-funded university resource is being used to propagate the murderous ideology of the Tehran regime which has attacked UK bases and with whom we are effectively at war’.  

UCL student and author Dov Forman said the statement was ‘extraordinary’, adding: ‘A UCL student society publicly mourning Ayatollah Khamenei and urging Shia in the West to stay ‘aware and ready’. On a UK campus. Universities cannot keep pretending this is just ‘student expression.’

But the UCL society has hit back at criticism, comparing Khamenei to the Pope alongside a number of videos eulogizing the Supreme Leader.

In a social media post on Monday, they wrote: ‘For millions of Shia Muslims worldwide, Ayatollah Khamenei occupies a role broadly analogous to that of the Pope within Catholicism.

‘A supreme religious authority whose death or targeting is experienced not merely as a political event, but as a profound communal and spiritual shock.’

They said the tribute was not ‘incitement, endorsement of violence, or unlawful mobilisation’, and argued that mourning the Iranian leader was ‘lawful expression’ protected under freedom of expression and academic freedom. 

Khamenei, pictred in 2024, died on Saturday following US-Israeli attacks which have prompted a furious Iranian response

Meanwhile, the Iranian diaspora in London has taken to the streets to celebrate the death of Khamenei.

And as reports trickled out about the death on Saturday, some residents of Tehran were rejoicing, blowing whistles and letting out ululations.

Khamenei’s rule saw the increased Islamification of Iran and the growth of its proxy forces in Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza and beyond.

His strong religious views long unsettled the Middle East and placed Iran opposite its more western-embracing neighbours like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

Before his death, he was the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East, having taken power in 1989 following the death of his mentor Ruhollah Khomeini.

A UCL spokesperson said: ‘We are looking into social media posts by the AhlulBayt Islamic Society, which have led to a number of complaints.

‘We recognise that the recent events and escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the wider region are causing significant distress for many members of our community. With students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, our priority is to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

‘UCL has in place a range of dedicated, expert support, both practical and emotional, for students and staff affected by conflict.’