Viral protest video against Iran’s supreme leader sparks copycat demonstrations worldwide

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Greg WehnerJanuary 19, 2026 at 03:52 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A viral video showing a woman, believed to be an Iranian refugee in Canada, burning an image of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and then lighting a cigarette, has sparked global protests. The act, a capital crime in Iran, has been replicated by demonstrators worldwide, including in Europe, Israel, and the U.S. The video has been widely shared on social media, representing defiance against Iran's government amid a violent crackdown on dissent. Iranian state media has responded with arrests and seizures of satellite internet equipment, labeling protesters as terrorists. Activists report increased repression as unrest grows due to economic collapse and political instability within Iran.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reddit 30% Starlink 35% Europe 35% Israel 35% United States 35% G7 40% Canada 40% Associated Press ×240% Donald Trump 60% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×390% Iran ×895%

Keywords

iran protests 100% ayatollah ali khamenei 90% viral video 80% regime crackdown 70% dissent 60% social media 60% political instability 50% internet blackout 50% information warfare 40%