BBC coverage of Iran protests draws growing outrage

A BBC News at Ten report drew viewer anger after editing errors and the airing of a lengthy clip of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; nationwide protests in Iran continue amid a reported internet blackout and rights groups reporting fatalities and detentions.

The BBC's flagship News at Ten aired a report on the nationwide protests in Iran that viewers said contained clear editing mistakes and an unintended audio overlap. The bulletin included a thirty-second clip of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in which he labelled protesters as "vandals," a segment some viewers found tone-deaf given the context. The broadcast prompted public criticism, including from public figures, who called for an explanation or apology. The protests have continued across Iran for about two weeks amid a reported nationwide internet blackout and accounts from rights groups of fatalities and large numbers detained. Key points: - The News at Ten report contained editing errors and overlapping audio that viewers noticed while it was broadcast. - The package included a 30-second clip of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling demonstrators "vandals," which attracted criticism over tone. - Public reaction included demands for an apology and complaints about the apparent handling of the story. - The nationwide protests have continued amid a reported internet blackout and rights organisations reporting fatalities and widespread detentions. Summary: The BBC's broadcast choices and editing mistakes have prompted public backlash and raised questions about the broadcaster's handling of the story. Protests remain active across Iran while monitoring is made more difficult by restricted internet access and reports of deaths and detentions. Undetermined at this time.