Iranian comedian detained after impersonating Khamenei

An Iranian comedian is facing criminal charges after posting a satirical video in which he impersonated the voice of Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's late Supreme Leader.

Saeed Shaqiba, a voice actor and comedian known for his impressions of public figures, published the video on Tuesday, October 13. In it, he mimicked Khamenei's voice and the style of the leader's meetings with poets. The impersonation included repeated use of the phrase "orin, orin," roughly equivalent to "well done, well done" - and a request for tea with rock sugar, known in Iran as "nabat."

The video spread rapidly on social media and drew sharp reactions from regime supporters, some of whom demanded that Shaqiba be prosecuted.

Within 24 hours of the video's publication, Iran's judiciary announced the opening of a case against him. Shortly afterward, nearly all posts disappeared from his Instagram account, which has more than a million followers.

Iranian comedian Saeed Shaqiba in trouble with the regime after impersonating Khamenei (Photo: Social media)

On Wednesday, the Mizan news agency, affiliated with Iran's judiciary, announced that a case had been opened in a Tehran court against a blogger identified by the initials S.Sh., following the publication of content described as "offensive and insulting." The statement said that "appropriate measures" had been taken against him, but gave no details on the nature of the measures or the specific charges.

At the same time, Shaqiba's Instagram account underwent a dramatic change: all his posts were removed and replaced with a notice bearing the emblem of the Iranian police. The notice stated that the account had been suspended until further notice, by order of a judicial authority and action of the police, following the publication of what was termed "criminal content."

The Fars news agency, associated with the Revolutionary Guards, also attacked the video, claiming it contained insults and mockery of Khamenei and his family. Following the publication, calls from regime supporters to take action against the comedian intensified.

There is no confirmation that he has been arrested.