Following a crackdown on anti-government protests last month, renewed demonstrations erupted at Iranian universities, with participants chanting against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The recent protests at universities in Iran signify a resurgence of anti-government sentiment following a crackdown in the previous month. On the 21st of this month, hundreds of demonstrators rallied at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, vehemently chanting 'Death to the dictator' directed towards Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos of the protests circulated widely on social media, showing clashes between protestors and members of the pro-government Basij militia who were dressed in civilian clothing, leading to reported injuries on both sides. This marks one of the largest gatherings since the previous large-scale protests were suppressed.
In addition to Sharif University, students at Amir Kabir University dressed in black also joined the protests, showing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, by chanting 'Long live the Shah', a slogan reminiscent of the 1979 Islamic Revolution protests. Other universities, including Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University, saw students staging sit-ins and marches in solidarity with those detained during the previous protests. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, slogans such as 'Freedom' and 'Students, shout for your rights' echoed, signaling widespread discontent amongst the student population.
These recent actions come after economic protests last month escalated into the largest demonstrations seen since the Islamic Revolution, leading to severe government crackdowns around October 8-10. Although major protests have been stifled, various forms of resistance have emerged, with alliance strikes carried out by students and teachers in cities like Tehran and Gorgan as a show of dissent against the government’s oppressive measures. Additionally, anti-government chants can be heard from apartment complexes, such as 'Death to Khamenei' and 'Death to the republic that kills children'. As memorials approach the 40-day anniversary of those killed in these protests, instead of somber tributes, there have been more celebratory responses, encompassing dancing and singing coupled with protest slogans, showcasing the resilience of demonstrators despite increased risks of suppression.
