Iran’s Science, Research, and Technology Ministry sent orders to the country’s academic institutions on how to suppress the September 2023 protests, according to the Amirkabir NewsLetter, a student-run media outlet.
In a letter addressed to the heads of universities, higher education institutes, and research institutes across Iran, the ministry demanded that protests be met with a harsh response, the report said.
“Rioting must come with a cost, and a passive stance will embolden the rioters,” wrote Ebrahim Hosseini, who at the time was director-general of the Office for Coordinating Administrative Misconduct Committees for Employees and Faculty Members.
The letter said institutions should follow directives issued by the Supreme National Security Council, including the suppression of demonstrations.
“Distinguished university presidents can also have a preventive aspect,” Hosseini wrote. “Explaining the results and effects of these measures in making educational and research environments healthy will play a significant role in strengthening and influencing the concept and position of the rule of law in the process of investigating violations.
“Therefore, it is hoped that the preparation of the requested report and its submission will be put on the agenda as a matter of urgency.”
Women, Life, Freedom protests followed Amini's killing by regime's security forces
The protests broke out on the anniversary of the regime’s murder of Mahsa Amini, 22. She was killed by the regime’s security forces for not wearing her head covering properly.
Amjad Amini, her father, was briefly arrested on the anniversary of her death. Security forces surrounded the family’s home to prevent them from attending a graveside ceremony, sparking public outrage.
In the Women, Life, Freedom demonstrations that followed Amini’s murder in 2022, more than 500 people, including 71 minors, were killed, hundreds were wounded, and thousands were arrested, human-rights groups reported.