Student who was beaten by university security guards suspended for two semesters

Ali Gholami, one of several students at the University of Science and Technology who was beaten by university security, was sentenced to two semesters of suspension from studies.

The "Arman Sudayat" Islamic Association at the University of Science and Technology released this news on Wednesday, June 15, saying that no verdict has yet been issued for two other members who were beaten by security guards at the same time as Mr. Gholami.

On April 20, Ali Gholami, former secretary of the political committee of the Arman Islamic Association, was distributing a statement protesting the "behavior of security guards and the security environment of the university" along with several other members of the association when he was chased and eventually beaten by "physical protection" officers on motorcycles and on foot.

In response to this violent treatment of Mr. Gholami and in protest of the security measures of the University of Science and Technology, students of this university gathered on May 4th, following which at least eight students were summoned to the disciplinary committee.

Now, in response to the verdict issued against Ali Gholami, the Islamic Association of Students' Hope has issued a statement declaring the proceedings against this student activist to have "numerous legal flaws" and stating that it does not recognize any verdict other than acquittal.

As students return to universities after two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus, a new wave of restrictions and pressure on students related to clothing, gender segregation, and political activities has begun in recent months.

In addition to the violence against students at the University of Science and Technology, the beating of students at the University of Tehran who were trying to use the faculty's sports facilities due to "the veiling of female students and the need for gender segregation" on May 7th is another case that can be mentioned.

In response to such actions, several universities in the country issued a statement on June 9, calling the "security control body" a "violator of the concept of an independent and free university" and calling on other students and professors to "prevent the authoritarian attack on university premises by demanding action."

On May 1, Iranian Science Minister Mohammad Ali Zolfigol, in response to student protests about recent strictures, especially regarding student attire, said that the university is "sanctified" and that people who enter these environments must "follow its rules and regulations."

He did not say anything about preserving the dignity of individuals and students who face violence and beatings.

Source: Radio Farda