Dozens of University Professors Condemn Arrest of Protesting Students, Call for Their Release
More than 200 professors from various universities in Iran issued a statement on Thursday condemning the suppression and arrest of students, and calling on other academics to respond to the widespread detention of students in ongoing protests.
In this statement released on Thursday, October 29, university professors described student protests “against injustice and structural wrongdoings” as “indicative of moral commitment, the vibrancy of the university atmosphere, and students’ loyalty to precious ideals such as opposing tyranny, seeking justice and freedom,” stating: “Everyone should appreciate the existence of such students who are willing to sacrifice and bear the costs of defending freedom, justice and human dignity, and should bow their heads in respect to their moral and humane activism.”
Continuing in their statement, these university professors considered “the widespread spread of indifference and silence in the university environment due to fear of the costs of expressing opinions and idealism and opposing tyranny as contrary to human, ethical and religious values,” and called on their colleagues to “express opinions and take positions in defense of opposing tyranny, seeking justice and advocating for freedom.”
The Follow-up Committee for the Status of Detainees from September 2022 Protests confirmed in its latest report on October 29 the arrest of 63 students from various universities across the country.
In their statement today, 204 university professors also expressed concern about “the health condition and fate of detained students given previous experiences” and called for “the release of these students and their presence in classrooms as soon as possible,” stating: “Otherwise, tension and concern will continue in the university environment and the university will not return to its normal state.”
Concurrent with widespread domestic and international protests over the killing of Mahsa Amini, a victim of Iran’s mandatory hijab law, students at various universities held protest gatherings and issued separate statements declaring that they would refrain from attending classes until all arrested students are released, and some have also announced their resignations.
Meanwhile, a number of university professors have also issued statements supporting this student protest movement and have called for an end to social repression and for the immediate release of all detainees, including students.
In the early days of the formation of protest gatherings, a number of universities announced that classes in the first week would be held virtually.
Ali Shamsipour, spokesman for the Ministry of Science, announced on Thursday that classes at all universities in the country will be held in person starting Saturday, October 31.
Source: Radio Farda
