Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s regime banned Twitter — now he has joined it

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s regime banned Twitter in the country during his time in office — but that didn’t stop him from joining the social media platform over the weekend.

According to CNN, Ahmadinejad, who was president of Iran from 2005-13, joined Twitter on Sunday.

Following Ahmadinejad’s re-election in 2009, protesters took to Twitter to voice dissent. The government then blocked access to Twitter and Facebook among other social media platforms. However, some Iranian citizens were able to access Twitter by using illegal VPN software.

According to the Washington Post, Twitter “is still technically banned in Iran,” although some Iranian officials use the platform, such as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.

The former president began tweeting Sunday and described himself as a “Husband, Dad, Grandfather, University Professor, President, Mayor, Proud Iranian.”

"In the name of God, Peace be upon all the freedom loving people of the world," Ahmadinejad wrote in a message with the hashtag #Imontwitter.

Ahmadinejad also tweeted a video message in English standing next to an Iranian flag.

"Follow me at @Ahmadinejad1956,” he said in the video. “That's me. Peace and love and best wishes."

CNN notes that some close to Ahmadinejad are urging him to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential election.