The French satirical magazine "Charlie Hebdo" publishes several caricatures mocking Iranian mullahs in a special edition. Iran is furious - and as a "first step" is closing a French research institute in the country.
In response to the publication of cartoons by the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Iran has dissolved a French institute in the country. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the French Institute for Research in Iran (IFRI) will be closed. Tehran condemned the cartoons as "insulting symbols of sovereignty and national values". The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it was "a first step" in response to the cartoons.
On Wednesday, Tehran threatened consequences after the magazine published several cartoons of President Ali Khamenei. The Foreign Ministry in Tehran also summoned the French ambassador. "Charlie Hebdo" repeatedly mocks Iranian politicians. The magazine has therefore already been put on a sanctions list by the Islamic Republic.
Charlie Hebdo published several entries from its caricature competition on Wednesday
Recently, the tone between Tehran and the governments of European countries has sharpened. The reason for this is ongoing criticism of the violent behavior of Iranian security forces during the protests. In addition to the former arch-enemies USA and Israel, the leadership recently also named France. Many Iranian security officials and politicians have also been subject to EU sanctions since the protests broke out.
