Iran news in brief, March 28 2019

Iran news in brief, March 28 2019

1- Microsoft seizes 99 domains operated by Iranian state hackers

Microsoft said it seized 99 websites used by Iranian hackers to steal sensitive information and launch other cyber-attacks.

The company said the group, which it has been tracking since 2013, has tried to snoop on activists, journalists, political dissidents, defense industry workers and others in the Middle East, including some who were “protesting oppressive regimes” there.

Microsoft calls the hacking group Phosphorus, while others call it APT35 or Charming Kitten.

Microsoft sued the hacking group in the US District Court in Washington this month.

2- Maryam Rajavi calls for national solidarity in face of devastating floods and lack of government relief efforts

In wake of disastrous flash floods that have taken vast regions of Iran by storm, NCRI president Mrs. Maryam Rajavi has sent a message to the Iranian people, in which she called to national solidarity in face of floods and the corruption of the mullahs.

Mrs. Rajavi said: Amid the disastrous flood and such vast devastation, there is not much presence of aid workers and relief agencies. Instead, the mullahs have dispatched the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Bassij paramilitary force to quell the outbreak of protests.

She added: This disaster once again proved that the ruling mullahs’ criminal 40-year policy of plunder and pillage has taken a heavy toll on the lives and livelihood of our people in every flood and earthquake.

3- Iran Attorney General says posting flood news on social media “disrupts security”

Iran’s Attorney General said that publishing “fake” news on the floods was a security violation adding that those who published such news would be dealt with as “disrupting the security of the country”.

he added: “I told judicial authorities and the prosecutor to deal with those who are behind publishing news and those who are looking to exaggerate the problems in flood stricken areas,”. 

These threats were echoed by Iran’s “cyber police”.

4- Flood Death Toll Is More Than 200, Iran Regime Hides Real Figures in Fear of People's Anger

On Wednesday March 27, the National Council of Resistance of Iran announced in a statement that: While the number of flood victims in various cities in the country reaches over 200, mostly from Shiraz, the clerical regime hides the real statistics out of fear from the people’s anger.

Statement adds: The delay and procrastination of the regime in helping and rescuing those who are besieged by the flood has increased the number of victims. Hence, the regime wants to portray the damages much less than they actually are through a variety of tricks. For instance, in many cities, especially Shiraz, repressive forces are preventing people from approaching hospitals.