The student movement at Tehran University of Art is garnering nationwide support in Iran as the ruling regime intensifies its efforts to suppress dissent. In a recent development, the imposed mandatory hijab on female students has sparked widespread protests and objections among the students.
On June 17, the student councils of Iranian universities released a report shedding light on the alarming levels of repression occurring at the University of Art, including the unjust detention of numerous students. According to the report, security forces have been enforcing strict regulations that mandate female students to wear the hijab at all times, even within the confines of their own dormitories. Shockingly, these forces have gone to the extent of preventing students from leaving their residences, irrespective of whether they had any intention of attending the university or not.
In another concerning incident, security forces stationed at the Music College in the city of Karaj, located in western Tehran, obstructed the entrance of approximately 20 students. However, thanks to the support and collective resistance of fellow students, the affected individuals were eventually able to gain access to the university premises.
The repressive regime’s security apparatus has escalated its threats against the students, indicating a forthcoming intensification of pressure. Disturbingly, at the Cinema and Theater College, female officers were stationed at the entrance with the specific task of distributing veils to unveiled female students. In a blatant act of coercion, these officers are warning the students that failure to comply by wearing the veil would result in their deprivation from taking exams.
Disturbing reports have emerged of the regime’s plainclothes officers detaining several students at the entrances of various universities. Witnesses have noted the presence of special forces and state security police who closely monitored the situation. This heavy security presence further emphasizes the repressive atmosphere that students are subjected to. Similar incidents have also been reported at the National Garden Campus (Bagh-e Melli) of the University of Art.
Madani University, located in East Azerbaijan province, has become a site where the regime is resorting to framing cases against students as a means of suppression. Shockingly, reports indicate that approximately 80 students have been targeted in these fabricated cases. The university administration has been implementing extensive disciplinary measures against the students, particularly in the final weeks of the current semester. This surge in case filings clearly illustrates the regime’s relentless efforts to quell student activism and dissent.
As of now, 20 students have already received final judgments, while another 25 students anxiously await their verdicts and disciplinary hearings. Moreover, an additional 35 individuals have been summoned to attend hearings in order to provide explanations for the charges brought against them.
In response to the escalating pressure faced by the students at the University of Art, students from numerous universities throughout the country have come forward to express their support and solidarity.
A notable statement has been issued by the students of Tehran University, affirming their support for their counterparts at University of Art. In the statement, they condemn the suppressive measures imposed by the regime, recognizing them as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the student community. However, the students of Tehran University firmly believe that such oppressive tactics will ultimately prove unsuccessful in extinguishing the spirit of resilience and determination that resides within the students.
In a similar move, the students of Soore University declared their support for their fellow students at the University of Art. They made it clear that they refuse to remain silent in the face of such aggressive measures, recognizing that this repressive approach poses a threat not only to the students at the University of Art but to the entire student community as a whole.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the students at Tarbiat Modares University also refused to stay silent. They are determined to keep the flames of the struggle for freedom burning bright and resolute. They emphasized that they will not allow the regime to persist in its relentless pressure and infringement upon their rights.
It is evident that the regime is using the imposition of the hijab as a pretext for its repressive actions. These measures are primarily driven by the regime’s fear of upcoming protests, where students, young people, and particularly women have been at the forefront of challenging its authority.
