Iran has strongly denounced Meta’s decision to remove the Facebook and Instagram accounts of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader. The move, characterized as a “violation of freedom of expression” by Iranian authorities, sparked a heated response.
Facebook and Instagram, both popular social media platforms in Iran, are officially blocked by the government, but key figures, including officials, maintain active accounts on these platforms.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated last month that it had taken down Khamenei’s accounts due to repeated violations of its policies regarding “dangerous organizations and individuals.” In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian condemned the decision, asserting that it not only impinged on freedom of speech but also insulted the millions of followers who rely on Khamenei’s updates.
Amir-Abdollahian accused Western proponents of freedom of expression of hypocrisy, claiming that their slogans were mere facades concealing hidden political agendas. Ayatollah Khamenei, serving as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, wields considerable influence over major state policies, accumulating around five million followers on Instagram before the removal.
Meta’s action coincided with Khamenei’s vocal support for the Palestinian group Hamas and his condemnation of Israel during the Gaza Strip conflict. Amir-Abdollahian argued that Khamenei’s stance made him a leading advocate for the oppressed people in Palestine, contending that the Silicon Valley Empire could not silence this global voice.
Despite the official ban on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, Iranian internet users leverage virtual private networks (VPNs) to access these banned sites, circumventing government restrictions and continuing their presence on these platforms.
The ongoing struggle between digital censorship and the public’s quest for open communication highlights the complex interplay between technology, politics, and freedom of expression in Iran.
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