02.02.2026 10:20
The mockery of the funerals of those who lost their lives in the protests on Iranian state television has caused public outrage. The host, who asked, "What kind of refrigerator do you think the Islamic Republic keeps the bodies in?" then listed options such as "a refrigerator with a door," "an ice cream machine," and "a supermarket-style deep freezer." The host presented a fourth option jokingly, saying, "I'm an ice seller, don't ruin my business." Many people in the country have called for the host's dismissal.
A program broadcast on state television in Iran sparked public outrage by mocking the funerals of protesters killed during demonstrations held in January. The broadcast, which was at the center of the reactions, aired on Ofogh TV, a channel affiliated with the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB and linked to the Revolutionary Guards.
In the program, the host referred to claims that the bodies of thousands of people who lost their lives during the security forces' intervention on January 8-9 were transported in refrigerated trucks, addressing the viewers with a mocking question. The host asked, "What kind of refrigerator do you think the Islamic Republic keeps the bodies in?"
THE BROADCAST THAT SHOOK THE COUNTRY
Then, listing options such as "side-by-side refrigerator," "ice cream machine," and "supermarket-style deep freezer," the host presented a fourth option jokingly, saying, "I am an ice seller, don't ruin my business." The expressions used in the broadcast quickly drew significant backlash on social media.
"REMOVE THIS MAN FROM OFFICE"
As a wave of anger grew in the public following the incident, harsh criticisms came not only from opposition circles but also from figures close to the Islamic Republic. Numerous commentators and politicians argued that the state television had completely severed its connection with the pain, mourning, and anger experienced by society, calling for the removal of the IRIB president.
For many Iranians, this broadcast was seen as a striking example of how alienated state media has become from the tragedies experienced by the people. In social media posts, it was emphasized that mocking the killed protesters was unacceptable, while criticisms emerged that state television had turned into "a propaganda tool that mocks pain."