The televised address by Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution faced an interruption from hackers. Reports from CNN indicate that the interruption lasted for about a minute, during which the screen displayed the emblem of a defiant hacker collective and the chant reportedly voiced was a call for an end to the Islamic Republic.
Following the disruption, demonstrators gathered in Tehran at Azadi Square in apparent support of the government, as noted by CNN. Raisi urged the younger segment of the population, some of whom have expressed strong dissent, to reconsider their stance and to seek a peaceful path forward.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state media agency IRNA reported that the Supreme Leader issued a broad amnesty. Tens of thousands of prisoners were pardoned, with exceptions for individuals accused of spying for foreign powers, those involved in violent acts such as murder, and those implicated in acts of arson or demolition connected to unrest. The amnesty was framed as part of the commemorations tied to the revolution and the month of Rajab, signaling a political attempt to ease tensions while continuing to uphold security considerations.
Since mid-September of the previous year, the country has experienced mass unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died after interaction with police officials over the handling of a hijab. Local observers and human rights groups have pointed to a range of grievances, including policing practices, economic pressures, and demands for greater political freedoms. The authorities have attributed much of the public uproar to external interference and organized opposition, while many citizens continue to link the protests to broader calls for reform and accountability within the governance framework.