Protests against the death sentence of Hashem Agha Jari continue in Iran. In Tehran, the heads of 20 departments at Tarbiat Modares University have resigned, stating that they no longer feel secure with the death sentence issued against Hashem Agha Jari. Meanwhile, the grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, has stated that the death sentence for Agha Jari is not appropriate. The official Iranian news agency reported that Hassan Khomeini expressed this opinion late on Friday during a meeting with the family of Hashem Agha Jari. Mr. Agha Jari was sentenced to death on charges of apostasy for stating that Muslims are not monkeys to blindly imitate the words of religious clerics.
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Protests Against the Death Sentence of Hashem Agha Jari Continue in Iran
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Protests against Hashem Agha Jari's death sentence are ongoing in Iran, with significant resignations from university heads citing insecurity. Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, has criticized the death sentence as inappropriate, highlighting a divide within the political and religious establishment.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The death sentence of Hashem Agha Jari has sparked significant protests and resignations, highlighting tensions over freedom of expression in Iran.
👥 Key Players
Hashem Agha Jari
MENTIONED
Academic and political activist
"A prominent figure sentenced to death for apostasy, sparking protests and debate over freedom of speech and religious authority in Iran."
Hassan Khomeini
MENTIONED
Grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini
"A significant religious and political figure whose opposition to the death sentence indicates a rift within Iran's establishment."
Tarbiat Modares University
MENTIONED
Academic institution in Tehran
"The resignation of 20 department heads highlights academic opposition to the death sentence and concerns over freedom and security."
📰 What Happened
Protests are ongoing in Iran against the death sentence of Hashem Agha Jari, with significant resignations from university heads and criticism from Hassan Khomeini. Agha Jari was sentenced for apostasy after criticizing religious clerics.
- 20 department heads at Tarbiat Modares University resigned in protest.
- Hassan Khomeini publicly criticized the death sentence.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The protests and resignations highlight internal dissent and the struggle between reformist and conservative elements within Iran.
🌍 Regional: The event underscores potential instability and the influence of religious authority in regional politics.
🌐 International: International observers may view this as a human rights issue, affecting Iran's global image and relations.
📚 Background
Hashem Agha Jari's case is emblematic of the broader struggle for reform and freedom of expression in Iran, a country where religious and political authority are deeply intertwined.
Freedom of speech in Iran
Iranian political reform movements
📡 Source:
STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence:
70%
The source is the official Iranian news agency, which may reflect the government's perspective and downplay dissent.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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