Student Basij Attack on Tehran University Students
Reports and videos circulating on social media show that a protest by Tehran University students against the “hijab and chastity” plan and their opposition to mandatory hijab turned violent following an attack by the Student Basij and Tehran University security.
According to reports, the gathering initially started in front of the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tehran University, and then clashes inside the auditorium of the Faculty of Fine Arts reached their peak, causing damage to the faculty building.
“Unemployment, forced labor, forced women’s hijab,” “Choosing one’s dress code is our fundamental right,” “Freedom of choice is our fundamental right,” and “Students die, they don’t accept humiliation” were among the slogans chanted by protesting students at the gathering on Monday, May 13th.
Protesters also held placards demanding the release of Marziyeh Amiri, Atefeh Rangriz, and Neda Naji, three civil activists who were arrested during demonstrations on International Workers’ Day on May 1st.
Majid Sarsangi, Cultural Deputy of Tehran University, in response to the gathering and incidents that occurred at the Faculty of Fine Arts, said that no security forces or “morality police” were present or are present at Tehran University.
He said: “Unfortunately, some people ignorantly or intentionally spread news that creates tension in the student environment, and I clearly announce that if any student has been summoned to the university disciplinary committee due to hijab dress code, they should report it.”
Some student organizations had issued calls for this gathering in recent days.
In this call, it was stated: “We gather to say that the implementation of hijab and chastity plans is condemned.”
Previously, a number of student activists had reported an increase in strictness regarding student dress codes, especially among female students at Tehran universities.
However, the Cultural Deputy of Tehran University said: “Students at today’s gathering had no specific reason for protesting. Because no new incident or new decision has occurred at the university, and the occurrence of such behaviors is by no means logical at the university; rather, it is dangerous and questions the existence of the university. Because such behaviors do not occur in Western countries either, and people obtain permits to hold a march and specify their reasons.”
Majid Sarsangi told ISNA: “The claim that the ‘morality police’ have entered Tehran University and are warning students is completely unrealistic, and such a thing has not happened. The only thing that exists is that every year, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and with the aim of preserving the sanctity of this month, it has been emphasized that fasting breaches should not be seen on the university campus, and the dress code should not be in a way that disrespects the sanctity of Ramadan. In this regard, police forces were present on the Tehran University campus to warn those who do not respect fasting.”
The Commander of the Islamic Republic’s Police Force, less than a month ago, announced the beginning of moral and social security plans and police cooperation with the Basij for the implementation of these plans.
Source: DW
