Reports indicate that the speech of Abdulvahed Mousavi Lari, a reformist figure close to Mohammad Khatami, on Tuesday, December 30, at Yazd University was interrupted by an 'attack' from one of the attendees towards the podium, leading to an unfinished speech. Mousavi Lari was guided outside, but on the way, 'a group rushed towards him.' According to the state news agency IRNA, Mousavi Lari, the Minister of Interior in the eighth government, was invited by the 'Development and Moderation Organization of Yazd University,' and around 300 students were present in the university's amphitheater during his speech. The report states that towards the end of Mousavi Lari's speech, while responding to students' questions, 'some in the crowd shouted and created chaos in an attempt to disrupt the session, but the speaker continued his remarks.' However, as the session continued, following an attack from 'one of the students towards the podium, Mousavi Lari cut off his speech and was guided outside the hall, where a group rushed towards him, but with the efforts of the hall's security forces, Mousavi Lari exited the university safely.' The report adds that these 'attacking students' clashed with the event's security and engaged in fighting. IRNA states that in recent days, some 'websites and groups in Yazd province had issued a statement threatening to disrupt Mousavi Lari's speech.' This is the second time Mousavi Lari's speech has been disrupted; previously, in Qarchak Varamin, a group rushed towards him while shouting slogans, causing his turban to fall off. Meanwhile, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the first deputy of the judiciary, on Tuesday at Tehran University, asked university officials not to allow 'seditionists' to be present in universities and if someone from these individuals is to speak, they must ensure beforehand that they do not say anything against the values of the regime. The first deputy of the judiciary emphasized that if the anticipated presence of a speaker in universities 'will cause tension, military, intelligence, and judicial bodies should prevent these individuals from entering universities.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, and his close associates refer to the protests against the results of the 2009 presidential election as 'sedition' and label Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi as 'leaders of the sedition.' Fa'ezeh Hashemi previously described the disruption of reformist meetings and speeches as a sign of the conservatives' fear and their efforts to 'create an atmosphere of terror and lethargy' among reformists. So far, the speeches of several reformist figures in various universities and cities have been canceled by 'radical individuals.'
Disruption at Mousavi Lari's Speech at Yazd University
Abdulvahed Mousavi Lari's speech at Yazd University was disrupted by an attack from attendees, leading to his early exit. This incident reflects ongoing tensions between reformists and conservative factions in Iran, highlighting the challenges faced by reformist voices. The situation underscores the broader political climate and the suppression of dissent in Iranian universities.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Abdulvahed Mousavi Lari's speech at Yazd University was disrupted by an attendee, leading to chaos and his early exit. Security forces intervened to ensure his safe departure.
- Mousavi Lari's speech was interrupted by an attack from an attendee.
- This is the second time his speech has been disrupted, indicating ongoing tensions.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iranian universities have historically been centers of political activism and dissent, often clashing with conservative elements of the regime.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%