Feb 26 • 19:05 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

Tehran University Temporarily Expels Three Students for Flag Burning

Tehran University has temporarily suspended three students for burning the national flag during protests that erupted across several universities in Iran.

On Saturday, protests broke out at several universities in Tehran, which later saw the participation of students from other cities. These demonstrations featured clashes between government supporters and anti-government groups, echoing the chants from previous protests which had escalated into mass demonstrations in January, resulting in the deaths of thousands. The unrest has provoked a strong response from the authorities, reflecting the ongoing tensions within Iranian society regarding issues of national identity and governance.

Following the protests, the President of Tehran University announced the temporary suspension of three identified students who allegedly disrespected a national symbol by burning the flag. This decision comes amidst an environment of heightened scrutiny and surveillance on student activities, particularly those seen as defying governmental authority. The university's disciplinary council is expected to address the matter further, as calls for accountability grow amid the ongoing demonstrations for broader freedoms and reforms in the country.

Iran's judicial system has also weighed in, with Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran's judiciary, deeming some student actions during the protests as inappropriate, including flag burning and chanting offensive slogans. This reiteration of the consequences of dissent signals a continued commitment by the Iranian authorities to suppress unrest and maintain control, reinforcing the potential risks for individuals participating in such anti-government activities across the nation.

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