Feb 24 β€’ 09:46 UTC πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway Aftenposten

Iran's regime on student protests: They must understand where the line is drawn

Iran's regime acknowledges students' right to protest but emphasizes the importance of respecting established boundaries.

The Iranian regime has officially commented on the recent student protests, asserting that while students have the right to demonstrate, they must understand the limits of acceptable dissent. A spokeswoman in Tehran articulated that sacred symbols and the national flag are examples of boundaries that should not be crossed, even amidst strong emotions. She expressed empathy for the students' anger, yet refrained from addressing the specific grievances fueling the protests.

The first semester at universities across Iran began amidst a backdrop of protests where students voiced slogans reminiscent of those from nationwide protests earlier in the year that saw significant violence and loss of life. The Iranian government appears to be taking a cautious approach, acknowledging the students' frustrations while simultaneously warning against actions that might challenge the state’s authority or core values.

This response reflects a broader pattern in how the Iranian regime handles dissent, particularly from the youth, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for change. The continuation of protests indicates deep-seated issues within the society that the government must navigate carefully to prevent escalation and further unrest, as previous protests have resulted in considerable fatalities and repression.

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