The Student Movement in Iran: Interview with Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour - July 9, 2002

The Student Movement in Iran: Interview with Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour - July 9, 2002. Three years after the incident at Koo-e Daneshgah on July 9, 1999, analysts both inside and outside of Iran believe that the nature of the student movement in Iran has significantly changed, and this movement now acts as part of a secular third force. In this regard, we spoke with Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour, a sociology professor at Stockholm University and an expert on student issues, from which you will hear parts of this detailed conversation: Mr. Darvishpour, three years after the tragedy of July 9 at Tehran University and July 20 at Tabriz University, which is considered the most severe and violent attack against students in student dormitories, how do you view the position of the student movement in Iran? Some experts consider the July 9 incident as ultimately a movement towards the reconstruction and reform of the movement and believe that in this way, the Iranian student movement has increasingly focused on fundamental civil and social issues. What is your opinion on this? Many believe that the reformists' turning away from students is the most important factor in students' disillusionment with politics and politicians and the main reason for their approach to deeper social issues.