Tehran: A state television live news broadcast in Iran was hacked by activists supporting the women-led protests in the wake of Mahsa Amini's custodial death. Iran has been facing unrest since the 22-year-old's death over the strict dress code.
The hackers broadcasted visuals of superimposing crosshairs and flames on the face of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The message on the screen read: "The blood of our youths is on your hands." At least 154 people died in the protests which the government is determined to suppress.
The Edalat-e Ali (Ali's Justice) hacktivist group At 9 pm local time on Saturday interrupted footage of Khamenei meeting state officials. Photos of Amini and other three women killed in the state security forces' crackdown were streamed on the screen. They also urged Ayatollah Khamenei to vacate his Tehran office and flee the country. The message on the screen said: "It's time to collect your furniture from Pasteur Street and find another place for your family outside Iran." The hack ended with the slogan "join us and rise up," reported AFP.
The footage has gone viral on social media despite internet restrictions imposed by Iran's government. The news anchor was seen uncomfortably shifting in his seat after the hack. His reaction to the unexpected incident has become a meme. It was widely reported by Persian media and shared widely by rights groups based outside Iran.