Hengaw's Exclusive Report Reveals Security and Structural Violence at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University

Hengaw: Wedensday, December 13, 2023

Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University in Tabriz, a prominent institution actively involved in the Women, Life, Freedom movement, has become a focal point of organized repression by security forces. Recent developments indicate intensified pressure, including the fabrication of cases and the involvement of families of student activists.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, students at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University have faced threats of education bans if they expose the security situation and the threats and summonses that student activists continuously receive. The university's security agenda also involves contacting parents to involve students with their families.

Amidst this security crackdown at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, several Kurdish students were expelled from the dormitory solely due to their "close friendship" with Armita Pavir, a student activist who was arrested.

According to an unnamed student, security staff at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, empowered by security institutions, have employed threats and enticements to pressure protesting and active students for financial extortion and sexual relations.

The student, whose identity is protected by Hengaw, disclosed key figures involved in the repression, including Issa Seif, the head of the security office; Abul Ala'i, who assumed the deputy security role post-student suppression; a person named Mr. Shoghi, a cleaner turned guard due to active participation in repressions; and a female employee with the Javadpour surname, responsible for the disciplinary committee. These individuals play a direct role in issuing suspension and expulsion orders, as well as contacting and threatening students' families.

In conclusion, the student emphasized their intention to expose the repression process, urging families to refrain from pressuring their children amidst the organized repression at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University by the security institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran.