Increased Security Crackdowns on Students in Tehran; 200 Students in Hamedan Denied Accommodation

On the eve of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, several students from three universities in Tehran have been summoned by security and judicial authorities. Simultaneously, 200 students from Bu-Ali University in Hamedan have been barred from entering student dormitories. The newspaper Shargh reported on Monday, August 14, that 'at least 15 students from Allameh University' were summoned 'by phone' by an unnamed security agency. Prior to this, some students from Beheshti and Tarbiat Modares universities had also reported being summoned. Following Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death in the custody of the morality police on September 16, 2022, and the outbreak of nationwide protests, universities in Iran became key centers for gatherings, with many slogans directed against the Islamic Republic and its leaders. Concurrently, according to 'reports received' by Shargh, '200 students from Bu-Ali University in Hamedan' have had their accommodations 'canceled' by authorities and are not permitted to stay in student dormitories. The report mentions disciplinary actions and restrictions imposed on students following the nationwide protests in the second half of last year due to their participation in gatherings and refusal to comply with mandatory hijab laws based on 'security reports.' As stated in the report, 'more than 140 students' at Allameh University have been banned from entering due to their participation in protests, and despite months passing without any 'disciplinary ruling' or 'notification from the university,' their entry is still being prevented. Additionally, 16 students at Allameh University have been deprived of a total of 22 semesters due to what has been described as 'non-compliant dress codes' and 'participation in gatherings' according to security reports, while 'four students' have faced 'two semesters of academic suspension' based on 'absentee rulings without following the formal procedures of the disciplinary committee.' Students have stated that 'these prohibitions are outside any legal framework and regulations,' and they are facing difficulties in 'pursuing their graduation matters.' In recent days, summonses, arrests, and threats against civil and political activists, as well as families seeking justice, have increased. Atena Daemi, in response to the summons of her sister and threatening calls from Ministry of Intelligence officials to her mother, stated: 'Seeing the humiliation and struggles of the agents of the Islamic Republic to prevent the start of protests on the anniversary of Zhina (Mahsa) Amini's death and our other loved ones shows the power of the people.' Prince Reza Pahlavi stated on Sunday evening to Voice of America that 'the street is our fortress' and 'it must be held until the time of regime change arrives.' Earlier, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, responded to a question from a Voice of America Persian reporter, stating that the Islamic Republic has not learned from recent protests.