Instagram, Facebook remove Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Meta confirmed on Friday that Facebook and Instagram had removed accounts for Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei is the supreme leader of the Islamic Republican of Iran, holding the position since 1989. He outranks President Ebrahim Raisi and his role also includes spiritual functions.

Meta told the Associated Press that it removed Khamenei's accounts for violating it "Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy" on multiple occasions.

The firm did not point to specifics, though the AP noted that Khamenei had openly applauded Hamas for conducting the Oct. 7 raid into Israeli territory that saw its forces kill roughly 1,200 civilians and seize more than 200 hostages. Fighting is ongoing in the Gaza Strip.

"We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime," he said in a speech after the attack.

Meta does not permit "organizations or individuals that proclaim a violent mission or are engaged in violence" to use its platforms.

"In addition, we do not allow content that glorifies, supports, or represents events that Meta designates as violating violent events - including terrorist attacks, hate events, multiple-victim violence or attempted multiple-victim violence, serial murders, or hate crimes," the policy continues.

As of Friday, Khamenei's official account on X, which Meta does not own, remained active. On Friday alone, he issued numerous statements in support of the people of Gaza amid the Israel bombardment and also commented on the demands of the Islamic faith.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.