University of Ferdowsi Mashhad Theology Professor Expelled Following 'Support for Student Rights'

Alireza Azad, a theology professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and a supporter of protesting students, announced his expulsion from the university. In an Instagram note, he wrote that 'after 26 years' of studying and teaching at Ferdowsi University, 'an order was issued for me to leave my home.' Alireza Azad mentioned in part of this message that the reason for his expulsion was his refusal to 'disavow' his 'signature on the letter supporting student rights and university independence last year.' Recently, Hamakbar Jafari, a physics professor at Sharif University and a supporter of protesting students, was forced to resign following government pressures and 'summons and interrogation.' Following the nationwide protests last year that erupted after the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police, with the central slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom,' many students across the country joined the protesters, and several university professors supported them. In response, the Iranian government has not only suppressed protesters and students but has also removed many professors who do not align with its policies and figures supporting the protests from universities. In mid-September of this year, the Jam-e Jam newspaper, the press organ of the Islamic Republic's broadcasting organization, referred to the university as 'a breeding ground for opposition' and urged the government of Ebrahim Raisi to more decisively expel 'deviant' professors. Previously, dozens of academic figures abroad protested the expulsion of professors, considering this action by the Islamic Republic as a continuation of four decades of pressure and repression in educational environments in Iran. The Etemad newspaper had earlier reported that following the expulsion of tens of thousands of professors from Azad University in the new academic year, 'first or second semester doctoral students' have replaced them. Also see: Expulsion of 32,000 adjunct professors from Azad University; 20,000 doctoral students replaced. The resignation of Akbar Jafari, a physics professor at Sharif University, followed by 'summons' and interrogation, has intensified the security atmosphere in educational environments; 18,000 'revolutionary' students have replaced 'adjunct' professors. Exclusive report from protesting academics; expulsion, suspension, and exile for accompanying the 'Women, Life, Freedom' uprising. Suspension of a medical university professor from teaching due to 'signing' several statements.