Viewers of Iran's state television station were undoubtedly surprised to see the news program interrupted by the image of a mask and Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei burning in flames. Hackers were successful in getting control of the broadcast, albeit briefly, to protest the continued violence by the regime against women's rights demonstrators, following the killing of Mahsa Amini last month. From BBC's account:
"Saturday's TV news bulletin at 21:00 (17:30 GMT) was interrupted with images which included Iran's supreme leader with a target on his head, photos of Ms Amini and three other women killed in recent protests.
One of the captions read 'join us and rise up', whilst another said 'our youths' blood is dripping off your paws'.
The interruption lasted only a few seconds before being cut off.
Such displays of rebellion against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are historically rare, and he wields almost complete power within Iran. But following Ms Amini's death, there has been widespread open dissent." (our emphasis)
Iran's so-called "morality police" have been enforcing dress codes for women for decades, but their actions have stuck a nerve this year as Iranian women have rebelled against the repressive, patriarchal, religious fascism imposed by the Ayatollah and his security forces. Demonstrations have been growing across Iran, as women and male supporters demonstrate at the risk of their lives for freedom from harsh religious dictates.
