Two major Iranian government websites and several media websites have been targeted by hackers claiming to be from Anonymous.
Tehran, Iran – Several Iranian government and state-run media websites are down after a Twitter account linked to the “Anonymous” hacker collective said they had carried out cyber attacks aimed at supporting protests following the death of Mahza Amini.
A 22-year-old woman from the northwestern province of Kurdistan died in Tehran on Friday after suffering a stroke and multiple heart attacks while in custody by Iran’s morality police for her “improper” hijab, officials and the government said. media.
Iranian authorities have denied allegations that they mistreated or beat Amini and said his pre-existing conditions contributed to his death, but his family has rejected these claims.
A video released early Wednesday showed footage of protests in Iranian cities that erupted after Amini’s death.
“This is the last straw,” an altered voice in the video, said to be from Anonymous, said of Amini’s death. “The Iranian people are not alone”.
Two major Iranian government websites appear to be the main targets of the attack.
One is the government’s “Smart Services” website, which offers a wide range of online services, and the other aims to publish government news and interviews with officials.
“All database deleted,” said a social media account believed to be affiliated with Anonymous. The Iranian government has yet to officially comment on the claims or the attacks.
Several websites, including the website of Iranian state television, were also attacked and temporarily down.
Websites crashed and recovered several times on Wednesday morning, indicating a struggle between hackers and website support.
At least three people have been killed in the protests so far, according to Kurdistan Governor Esmail Sarai Gousha.
However, the official said the deaths were “suspicious” and appeared to be an attempt by “counter-revolutionary” groups to fan the flames of unrest across the country.
Iranian state media reported Wednesday that protests over Amini’s death have spread to 15 cities across the country.
The young woman’s death has led to outrage in Iran and elsewhere, with videos showing women cutting their hair in protest against Iran’s laws on women’s veils.
