Iran is finding no peace as students at several universities have resumed protests more than 45 days after a bloody crackdown in January, which reportedly left thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested.
The rallies began with the start of the new academic semester and took place despite the increased presence of security forces.
Protests were recorded at universities in Tehran and Mashhad. Students chanted anti-government slogans and in some cases clashed with members of the Basij, a state-backed paramilitary force. Reports and videos from the campuses show tensions, broken windows and physical clashes, with injuries on both sides.
According to the US-based organization HRANA, at least 7,000 people have been confirmed killed during the January crackdown, while another 11,700 deaths are under investigation. The same organization has recorded over 53,000 arrests, including hundreds of students.
At Tehran University, a 21-year-old student said that boycotting classes is an act of solidarity with the victims. “Our classes are empty because the cemeteries are full,” he said, emphasizing that students do not accept a return to normality after the events of January.
At Sharif University of Technology, a silent vigil turned into a protest with slogans against the regime. Students said that the demonstrations, even if they do not bring immediate change, are a symbol of refusal to be silent and an expression of collective grief for the victims.
