In its latest management changes, Iran's National Library has imposed restrictions on membership for a significant number of student and research groups, which domestic media have described as 'strange.' On Sunday, June 9, ILNA reported that the new regulations have set 'many restrictions' for various academic groups compared to last year, stating that 'students pursuing master's degrees without a thesis will no longer be able to join the National Library.' Accordingly, the membership cards of master's students currently registered at this library will also 'not be renewed,' and authors of books and articles will 'not be granted membership.' The news agency also announced that the maximum membership duration 'even for research membership' at this library has been set to one year and will not be extended. Other imposed restrictions include the prohibition of 'distributing surveys, letters, and invitations to gatherings (even charity events)' within the library. ILNA concluded that 'it can be interpreted that according to the new regulations, the limitation from night study has turned into deprivation of study for everyone.' This reference points to changes that began in December 2022 amid the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. At that time, the management of the National Library closed the night shift after images of library users not adhering to mandatory hijab rules were published, leading to the suspension of some members' memberships. A group of members of the National Library of Iran also issued a statement in February 2023 protesting the 'suspension orders' against several female members for not adhering to 'mandatory hijab,' describing these orders as an intensification of 'gender apartheid' by the Islamic Republic and stating that the government's aim with such actions is the 'gradual elimination of women.'
Iran's National Library Closes Membership to a Large Segment of Students
Iran's National Library has implemented new regulations that restrict membership for many students, particularly those without a thesis, and have banned various activities within the library. This move has been criticized as part of a broader trend of gender-based restrictions and censorship in the country, particularly following recent protests. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding women's rights and academic freedom in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran's National Library has implemented new membership restrictions that exclude many master's degree students and limit activities within the library. This change has raised concerns about academic freedom and gender discrimination.
- Master's students without a thesis can no longer join the library.
- Membership duration has been limited to one year, and various activities are now prohibited.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The restrictions are part of a broader crackdown on civil liberties in Iran, particularly following the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests that challenged the government's policies on women's rights.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%