Microsoft security analysts has revealed that a hacker group purportedly supported by the Iranian government obtained and released confidential customer data from the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo.

According to a VOA report, the publication was attacked in early January as a result of a series of cartoons it had printed mocking Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. 

Charlie Hebdo disclosed that the caricatures were a part of a media strategy aimed at promoting anti-government demonstrations in the Islamic country.

VOA’s requests for comment from the French and Iranian governments were not immediately answered. 

A Charlie Hebdo press representative stated that the publication had “for the moment” no comments to make on the subject.

The French envoy in Tehran was also summoned, and Iran openly promised an “effective response” to the “insulting” cartoons. 

The French Institute of Research’s activities in Iran were also suspended. 

The country added that France’s cultural activities are under review.