Valiati Calls for Action Against Political Exploitation of Islamic Azad University Resources

Following the dismissal of the president of the Islamic Azad University branch in Saveh due to 'flattery', Ali Akbar Velayati, the head of the board of trustees of Islamic Azad University, ordered that any political exploitation and misuse of the university's resources be addressed. In a press conference, photos of Ali Akbar Velayati and Farhad Rahbar, the president of Islamic Azad University, were displayed larger than those of Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei. Subsequently, media reported that Mr. Rahbar dismissed Reza Heydari. Following this action, Reza Hamdanchi, the director of public relations at Islamic Azad University, tweeted that the university president had previously stated that he would address any 'flattery and sycophancy' at the university. One day after the news of the dismissal of the Saveh branch president, the head of the board of trustees and the founding board of the university ordered all branches of Islamic Azad University to address violations to prevent any suspicion of political exploitation and misuse of the university's resources. Ali Akbar Velayati wrote to the heads and secretaries of provincial boards of trustees and their relevant deputies that they must have 'special sensitivity regarding any occurrence or possibility of political and advertising exploitation and misuse, both direct and indirect, material and spiritual, of the name and facilities' of Islamic Azad University. He added that this 'misuse' could occur by 'individuals, groups, managers, and members affiliated with the university to achieve political and party objectives.' Velayati stated that even the use of images of himself and Farhad Rahbar, 'in any way that suggests exploitation' is prohibited. The head of the board of trustees and founding board of the university has asked his presidents and deputies to 'address any violations at any level upon observation and immediately report the matter to the office of the presidency of the founding board and board of trustees.' The Tabnak website reacted to the dismissal of the Saveh branch president by asking, 'Would this action have taken place if the news had not faced negative reactions from the media and student organizations?' The website also criticized the sudden dismissal of Reza Heydari, stating, 'Was there no better way to address this error, such as a warning or reprimand?'