The Islamic Republic marked the 44th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution at a state-run rally on Saturday as anti-government hackers temporarily interrupted President Ebrahim Raisi’s televised speech.
Raisi, whose hardline government faces one of the most daring challenges from young protesters calling for its ouster, appeals to “deceived youth” to repent and hopes they will be pardoned by Iran’s supreme leader. I made it possible to receive
In that case, he told the crowd gathered in Tehran’s sprawling Azadi Square, “the people of Iran will embrace them with open arms.”
His live televised speech was interrupted on the Internet for about a minute, with the logo of an anti-Iran government hacker group named “Edalate Ali” appearing on the screen.
A voice cried out, “Death to the Islamic Republic!”
Nationwide protests swept Iran after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in September in custody of the country’s morality police.
Security forces have responded with a deadly crackdown on the protests, one of the most powerful challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution ended the 2,500-year monarchy.
As part of an amnesty to mark Revolution Day, Iranian authorities released hunger striker Farhad Maysami and Iranian-French academic Faribah Adelkar on Friday.
On Sunday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued amnesties for a number of prisoners, including those arrested in recent anti-government protests.
The human rights group HRANA said dozens of political prisoners and protesters, including dozens of celebrities, had been released under amnesty, but the exact terms of their release were unclear.
Rights activists have expressed concern on social media that many were forced to sign a pledge not to repeat the “crime” before being released. Denied.
HRANA said 528 protesters, including 71 minors, had died as of Friday. 70 government security forces were also reportedly killed. As many as 19,763 protesters are believed to have been arrested.
In a clear response to the protests, Iranian leaders and state media have been calling for large crowds for weeks at Saturday’s rallies in a show of solidarity and popularity.
On Friday night, the eve of the anniversary, state media aired fireworks as part of a government-sponsored celebration, with people chanting “Allahu Akbar!” (God is the best!)” But many were heard shouting, “Death to the dictator!” “Death to the Islamic Republic” in a video posted on social media.
We were unable to independently verify social media posts.
Government television on Saturday showed live footage of state rallies across the country.
Homemade anti-ballistic missiles, drones, anti-submarine cruisers and other military equipment were displayed as part of the celebrations in Tehran.
In a live televised address in Tehran’s Azadi Square, Raisi said, referring to protesters’ signature slogan, “People realized that the enemy’s problem is not women, life and freedom.” .
“Rather, they want our independence,” he said.
His speeches were frequently punctuated by his trademark “Death to America” chants at state rallies. The crowd also chanted “Death to Israel.”
Raisi accused the “enemy” of promoting “the worst vulgarity of homosexuality”.
Adelkar, who has been in prison since 2019, is one of seven French nationals detained in Iran, a factor that has soured relations between Paris and Tehran in recent months.
In 2020, she was sentenced to five years in prison for national security charges. She was later transferred to her house arrest, but she returned to prison in January, Adelkar denies the charges.
Meysami’s release comes a week after supporters warned he was in danger of dying from a hunger strike. In 2018, he was arrested for protesting the mandatory hijab.
When announcing Adelka’s release on Friday, the French foreign ministry called for her to be restored to her freedom “including returning to France if she so desires.”
“Legally, her files are considered complete, and legally there should be no issue with leaving the country, but this matter must be reviewed. So…it’s clear how long it will take. No,” said her attorney, Hodjat Kermani.
