Students in Iran continue protests over 19-year-old’s murder on campus for second day

Student Protests Ignite in Tehran Over Fatal Robbery of Young Student

The streets of Tehran were filled withstudent protesters last weekend as they continued to voice their outrage over the tragic murder of 19-year-old Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a business student at Tehran University. The incident occurred on Wednesday near a campus dormitory, where Khaleghi was fatally attacked during a robbery. The suspects, who remain unidentified, took his life in broad daylight, and he later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital. The killing has sparked widespread anger and frustration among students, who are now demanding justice and accountability from university officials for failing to ensure the safety of students on campus.

The protests began on Friday, with students gathering near the site of the crime to express their grief and indignation. Chants such as “Shame on you!” and “University security is a tool of the IRGC [Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps], you are our murderers!” resonated through the air, as demonstrators accused the university administration and security forces of negligence. The students also shouted, “The blood that has been spilled can never be erased!” reflecting their deep-seated anger and sense of betrayal. The protest quickly escalated into clashes with police, who attempted to disperse the crowd. While the demonstration was initially driven by the demand for campus security reforms, it has also taken on a broader significance, with many viewing it as a symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime.

A Call for Immediate Investigation and Accountability

In response to the public outcry, Iran’s Vice-President, Mohammad Reza Aref, ordered an “immediate” investigation into Khaleghi’s death. The move was seen as an attempt to placate the protesters and restore trust in the authorities. However, many remain skeptical, as similar incidents in the past have not led to substantive changes or accountability. Hossein Sarraf, the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, also weighed in on the situation, issuing a stern warning to the protesters. He stated that “university issues must not extend beyond campus. Those who enter unlawfully will face severe consequences, and there will be no leniency in this matter.” His remarks, reported by the state-run ISNA news agency, were interpreted by many as a thinly veiled threat to silence the demonstrators.

The protesters, however, have made it clear that their demands go beyond just campus security. They are calling for systemic changes and greater accountability from the authorities, who they believe have failed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people. While the protest was not initially politically motivated, the involvement of security forces and the regime’s response have drawn attention to the broader issue of political oppression in Iran. The country has a history of suppressing dissent, and even seemingly apolitical demonstrations can quickly escalate into anti-regime movements.

A Broader Cry for Freedom and Justice

Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group, addressed the protesters in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). She praised the students for their courage and resilience, saying, “Salutes to the students of the University of Tehran who, in protest against the brutal murder of one of their peers, raised their voices with the powerful chant, ‘A student dies, but does not accept humiliation.’” Rajavi, who has long been a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in Iran, linked the incident to the broader context of the regime’s oppressive policies. She argued that the perpetrators of such insecurity are either the Revolutionary Guards and suppressive forces themselves or the result of the regime’s anti-people policies, which prioritize maintaining power over the safety and welfare of citizens.

Rajavi also called on her fellow citizens to stand in solidarity with the students, declaring that “silence is no longer an option.” She emphasized the symbolic role of universities as “fortresses of freedom,” urging them to fulfill their historic role in challenging oppression and advocating for justice. Her statement resonated with many, as it tapped into the deeper frustrations of a population that has long felt marginalized and ignored by the authorities.

Echoes of Past Protests and the Struggle for Change

The current protests in Tehran are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger pattern of dissent that has unfolded in Iran over the past few years. In 2020, widespread protests erupted across the country following the death of a 22-year-old woman in custody. She had been detained for allegedly not wearing her headscarf correctly, a incident that became a symbol of the regime’s oppressive policies towards women and its broader disregard for human rights. The protests lasted for months, drawing in students, activists, and ordinary citizens from all walks of life. However, the movement was ultimately suppressed with brutal force, resulting in the deaths of over 500 people and the detention of more than 22,000.

The memory of those events continues to loom large in the minds of many Iranians, and the recent protests have rekindled fears of another violent crackdown. Yet, they have also reignited hopes for change, as students and citizens once again find the courage to challenge the status quo and demand a better future. The chants of “A student dies, but does not accept humiliation” and “The blood that has been spilled can never be erased” are not just expressions of grief; they are also declarations of defiance and resilience in the face of oppression.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As the situation in Tehran continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath. The protests over Amir Mohammad Khaleghi’s death have highlighted the deep-seated frustrations of a generation that feels betrayed by its leaders and eager for change. While the immediate focus is on campus security and justice for the slain student, the larger implications of this movement could be far-reaching. The regime’s response will be crucial in determining whether the protests fizzle out or escalate into a broader movement for reform.

For now, the students of Tehran University remain at the forefront of this struggle, their voices and actions a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance in Iran. Whether this latest wave of protests will lead to meaningful change or be crushed like so many others remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the people of Iran will no longer remain silent in the face of injustice, and their cry for freedom and accountability will not be easily silenced.