Islamic State hacks French TV station's broadcasts, websites
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Islamic State hacks French TV station's broadcasts, websites, 9 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9ddc46.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 09, 2015
A major French television network has been hacked by people claiming allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
TV5 Monde's director, Yves Bigot, said on April 9 that the hackers briefly cut transmission of 11 of its channels, and took over its websites and social media accounts.
Bigot said the network has restored its signal but can only broadcast recorded programs.
The message on TV5Monde's website read "Je Suis IS" (I Am IS) with a banner by a group that called itself "Cybercaliphate." It was replaced by a message saying that it was undergoing maintenance.
One hacker message accused French President Francois Hollande of committing "an unforgivable mistake" by joining the U.S.-led coalition bombing the IS in Iraq and Syria.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls called the attack "an unacceptable insult to freedom of information and expression."
The "Je Suis IS" message evoked the phrase "Je Suis Charlie," which became a symbol of support for free speech and solidarity with the 12 people killed by Islamist militants in January at the office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which published controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
