DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – On Saturday, Iran's First Vice-president Mohammad Reza Aref ordered an immediate investigation into the death of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a 19-year-old university student who was fatally stabbed after a protest at Tehran University. The call for an inquiry came from the vice-president following a series of protests by students demanding enhanced safety measures at their dormitory.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when Khaleghi was attacked by two unknown assailants who stole his backpack outside the university dorm. After being rushed to the hospital for treatment, he succumbed to his injuries. The disturbing event sparked outrage among students at Tehran University, culminating in protests on Friday night.
Reports indicate that students gathered angrily at the dormitory, expressing their concerns about safety and incidents of robbery in the area. Videos shared on social media depicted the protests, which briefly turned violent as police forces were deployed at the dormitory's gate. The students were heard chanting “Shame on you,” highlighting their frustrations regarding security issues that have increasingly affected their living conditions.
Despite the protests not being politically motivated, they come at a time of heightened tension in Iran, where citizens are grappling with the effects of U.S. economic sanctions and rising prices of daily necessities. The situation is exacerbated by what many see as widespread mismanagement within the government. This backdrop of discontent has historically made universities in Iran hotbeds for protests and civil unrest.
In the context of recent events, it’s noteworthy that Iranian universities have a long history of protests. The most significant demonstrations in recent years were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died while in police custody in September 2022. Her death, attributed to the morality police’s enforcement of strict dress codes regarding the Muslim headscarf, ignited nationwide protests calling for reforms. Initially focused on women's rights, the protests quickly escalated into broader calls for systemic change, ultimately challenging the established theocracy in Iran.
The nationwide protests that followed Amini’s death were met with a harsh crackdown by security forces, leading to the deaths of over 500 individuals and the detention of more than 22,000 people. These incidents underscore the volatile environment in which students and citizens find themselves, as they seek justice and accountability from their government.
Historically, student protests have played a critical role in shaping political discourse in Iran. A notable event occurred in 1999 when students protested against the closure of a reformist newspaper, leading to violent clashes with security forces. This unrest resulted in several fatalities, numerous injuries, and many arrests, further illustrating the potential for protests to amplify existing grievances within society.
As peace returned to the dormitory late Friday, following the authorities' commitment to pursue the case against Khaleghi’s attackers with a “special” order, the situation remains tenuous. The impact of his tragic death continues to resonate among students and the broader Iranian public, who are increasingly vocal about their concerns and demands for safety and justice.
