Iran: Hackers interrupt president's address marking anniversary of Islamic Revolution

A televised address by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi marking the 44th anniversary of the Iranian revolution was briefly interrupted by anti-government hackers.

According to Iran International, the hacktivist group Ali's Justice (Edalat-e Ali) hacked the state TV broadcast, airing the slogan "Death to Khamenei". It also called on the people to withdraw their money from government banks and called on the people to take part in anti-government protests on February 16.

In the address, which was frequently interrupted by chants of "Death to America" - a trademark slogan at state rallies and "Death to Israel", Raisi referred to those who took part in the anti-regime protest movement, which swept the nation after the killing of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country's morality police, as "deceived youth" and called on them to repent so Iran's supreme leader can pardon them.

"People have realized that the enemy's problem is not woman, life, or freedom," Raisi said in his speech, referring to the protesters' signature slogan, "Rather, they want to take our independence," he said.

Raisi accused the "enemies" of promoting "the worst kind of vulgarity, which is homosexuality".

On Friday night, as part of government-sponsored celebrations, state media showed fireworks and people chanting "Allahu Akbar! (God is Greatest!)". However, according to Reuters, many could be heard shouting "Death to the dictator!" and "Death to the Islamic Republic" in videos posted on social media.