End of Two-Day Strike by Tarbiat Modares University Students; 'Martial Law' Imposed

Students at Tarbiat Modares University ended their two-day strike, emphasizing that 'our university has been occupied' and that 'martial law' has been imposed. In their statement, the students noted that 'if we speak out or protest, their response is violence, insult, and disciplinary committees.' The statement referred to harassment by university security and plainclothes agents, highlighting that 'they insult us daily, physically confront us, threaten and summon us, and violate our privacy.' The students claimed that the university management and security's reaction to their protests has been an increasing pressure, oppression, and harassment. They believe that the goal of the management and security is to silence students 'by force.' The statement addressed university officials, stating, 'When you make the environment unlivable, it is clear that we will not remain silent and will demand our rights.' The statement also mentioned an increase in suicidal tendencies among students due to the pressure from university management and security. Accordingly, it stated that the strike on November 21 and 22 was the first step in ongoing student protests, asserting that 'our protests will continue until the management and security change their approach.' The students also announced their demands, which include 'limiting security to guarding duties,' 'no file creation and interference in students' clothing,' and 'cancellation of gender segregation in the university environment and new dormitory entry and exit regulations.' Tarbiat Modares University was one of the active universities during the protests of 2022, which ultimately led to the involvement of the Ministry of Intelligence and widespread summons of students to follow-up offices. In August of this year, documents were revealed showing that two advisors to the university president had sent letters to higher authorities requesting the suppression of student protests during the nationwide protests of 2022. Mojtaba Hashemi: The establishment of government elements instead of professors at the university is to humiliate students. Protests against prison sentences for Zia Nabavi and Hasti Amiri: We are facing a chain of various suppressions at the university. The continuation of student repression in Iran; attacks under the pretext of 'hijab' and issuance of 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. Increased pressure and summons of students; student guild councils say it is 'unprecedented' and under the pretext of hijab.