The European Students’ Union stands in solidarity with students and protesters in Iran and demands the cessation of violence against them!

We, the students of Europe, wish to express our solidarity with Iranian women, queer persons and other minorities amidst the ongoing persecution and violence by the Iranian theocratic Mullah regime. We admire the bravery and courage of the students who have  taken the lead in standing up against the unjust and repressive regime.

We condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian theocratic Mullah-regime and its government that threaten to extinguish what is at the core of any higher education institution – free thought. And we must stand up for equity, justice, and an end to intolerance.

Since the death of Mahsa Jina Amini on the 16th September 2022, people across Iran have been protesting. Amini died in custody after the so-called ‘morality’ police arrested her for wearing her hijab incorrectly. The protests have mainly been led by women who are fighting for their right to fundamental freedoms regarding their everyday life. Women in a symbolic act for their wish for liberation from the islamist oppression have removed their headscarves, burned them and cut their hair in solidarity with each other. People of all genders and ages,including children have taken part and have been injured, killed and/or are currently missing. 

In recent days students have intensified their protests within higher education institutions and schools. Students and schoolgirls have been arrested or even killed or even killed at their schools and higher education institutions. Schools and higher education institutions should be safe places for learning and exchange of ideas. Nobody should be attacked or arrested whilst on campus.

We are deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and faculty at universities in Iran. We expect the international community to condemn these actions and take meaningful actions to protect students’  fundamental human rights. We expect higher education institutions in Europe to support students and academics in Iran. European higher education institutions must also provide the needed support for their students affected by this situation. We demand the safe return and release of missing and detained students. Additionally, we call upon European countries and the European Union to implement student at risk scholarship schemes.

The European Union as well as all European countries must impose human rights sanctions against Iranian authorities. We stand in solidarity with the revolutionary student movement of Iran.

Jin, Jiyan, Azadî – Woman, Life, Freedom – Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.