Tehran: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing criticism after removing the social media accounts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has accused the tech giant of infringing upon free speech and freedom of expression by deleting Khamenei’s accounts on both platforms.
Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, are widely used by Iranians despite being officially blocked by the government. Iranian officials maintain accounts on these platforms, and citizens often access them through VPNs to bypass government restrictions.
The controversy arose last month when Meta confirmed the removal of the 84-year-old Supreme Leader’s accounts, citing repeated violations of its policies regarding “dangerous organizations and individuals.” Meta’s decision came after Khamenei expressed support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas following an attack on Israel on October 7.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, condemned Meta’s action, labeling it not only as a violation of free speech but also as an insult to the millions of followers of Khamenei’s views and news.
“The mottos of freedom of expression by some Western claimants are hollow and showy slogans and a cover for their illegitimate political goals,” remarked the Iranian Foreign Minister.
According to reports from the Times of Israel, Khamenei, who has held the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, had over five million followers on his Instagram account.
“Khamenei is the most prominent supporter of the oppressed people of Palestine and Gaza in the world, and the Silicon Valley Empire cannot prevent this voice from reaching the public opinion of the world,” added Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian.
