Protests Against Prison Sentences for Zia Nabavi and Hasti Amiri: Facing a Chain of Repression in Universities

More than 100 students and alumni of Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran issued a statement protesting the one-year prison sentences for Zia Nabavi and Hasti Amiri, students who protested against the serial poisonings in Iranian schools. In their statement, they wrote that these two students have made significant efforts in recent years to realize fundamental human rights such as the right to life and the right to education. The Iran Watch website reported on October 25 that the sentences issued for Mr. Nabavi and Ms. Amiri were confirmed by the appeals court. These two students from Allameh University had previously been sentenced to one year in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Zia Nabavi, a former political prisoner and student activist, along with Hasti Amiri, a student activist, were tried for 'propaganda against the regime' due to their participation in a gathering on March 7, 2023, protesting the serial poisonings of school students. The serial poisonings, primarily affecting female students, began in early November 2022 in Qom and spread throughout Iran, with officials confirming that these attacks were 'intentional.' Prior to this, students had actively participated in protests over the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police. The ongoing poisonings of students have sparked widespread domestic and international reactions. Abolfazl Ghadiani described it as a 'biological attack' and traced its origin to the 'office' of Khamenei, while Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi referred to these attacks as a reflection of the 'corrupt nature of the Islamic Republic regime.' The protesters against the sentences issued against Mr. Nabavi and Ms. Amiri wrote in their statement: the chain poisonings in girls' schools, which continue to be reported occasionally, 'indicate a will that not only does not confront those who have endangered the safety of girls' schools and created an atmosphere of terror and fear but also suppresses those who protest against this trend.' The statement also referred to the various forms of repression faced by students at universities, stating: 'We are facing a chain of various repressions at universities, which have become more dependent on non-academics than ever before.' The signatories of the statement wrote: 'In a situation where efforts are being made from all sides to eliminate any prospect for progressive change, we condemn the suspension and prison sentences for students and continue to demand justice and freedom, striving for a university that belongs to the students.' Among the signatories of the statement are Elaheh Derakhshan, Parastoo Biranvand, Reza Asadabadi, Reza Farahani, Zahra Alipour, Sara Zare, Shabnam Moghadassi, Shahab Taghipour, Ali Nanvayi, Fereshteh Toosi, Mohammad Najafi, Mahdieh Golroo, Milad Mousavi, Negin Bagheri, and Hadi Najafi. The continuation of student repression in Iran; attacks under the pretext of 'hijab' and issuing bans on education and exile. The Ministry of Health exiled two medical students to Ardabil. The head of the Social Sciences Faculty at Tehran University defended the 'attack' on students; no apologies offered. Increased pressure and summons of students; student guild councils say it is 'unprecedented' and under the pretext of hijab. Widespread disqualifications of students in the elections of scientific associations at Beheshti University.