Tehran Protests Russia's Harsh Treatment of Iranian Students

The release of videos showing the beating of Iranian students in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, has prompted a reaction from Iran's Foreign Ministry. Davood Mirzakhani, Iran's consul general in Kazan, stated on Saturday, December 3, that "Iranian citizens studying abroad have the right to be treated respectfully and fairly." He emphasized that "the Russian police mistake Iranian people for other nations" and asserted, "We will never allow inhumane and illegal treatment of our representatives abroad." These remarks followed reports of clashes between foreign students and the beating of Iranian students at Kazan Federal University on the morning of December 2. Reports indicate that foreign students had left their dormitories due to the BRICS summit in Kazan and were waiting in line to obtain necessary documents for renewing their student visas when the clashes occurred. Local media reported that the altercation may have started due to disorder in the line and attempts by some students to cut in. Following the clashes, the university decided to establish new service centers in various locations on campus so that foreign students could visit them for their visa renewals. However, the severe conflict between foreign students at Kazan Federal University led to violent confrontations and the arrest of students by Russian police, prompting a response from the Iranian consul general. Davood Mirzakhani told the state news agency IRNA that two Iranian students from Kazan Federal University were arrested following the clashes but were released later that night through the "efforts of the consulate." He also reported meetings between Iranian and Russian officials, who promised to follow up on the matter. The Tatarstan Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case had been opened against one of the students for using force against a police officer. It remains unclear whether this student was among those who were released. Kazem Jalali, the Iranian ambassador to Russia, also updated the situation of Iranian students in Kazan on social media, explaining that Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, has repeatedly inquired about the status of Iranian students. He also shared a post of himself speaking with Davood Mirzakhani, stating that follow-ups regarding the "mistreatment" of Iranian students in Kazan are ongoing and that the detained Iranian students have been released. This incident occurs while Iranian officials consider Russia their main ally, yet some of Moscow's positions in recent months have faced backlash from Tehran, including Russia's cooperation with the UAE regarding the three Iranian islands and Vladimir Putin's stance on the establishment of the Zangezur corridor, which has caused disputes between Iran and Azerbaijan.