University of Tehran Protests After Student's Murder Sparks Security Concerns

Tensions erupted at the University of Tehran this week after a tragic incident involving the murder of an undergraduate student, Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, during a robbery near the university dormitories. In response, students organized protests demanding increased campus security, as the university initially denied responsibility for the crime, stating that the robbery took place outside university grounds.

The incident occurred near Gisha Bridge, adjacent to the dorms, where Khaleghi succumbed to his injuries. The students' demands were fueled by their concern for safety, particularly after the deadly robbery. The university, however, refused to address the concerns, asserting that the crime fell outside their jurisdiction.

In the wake of the protests, Iranian police escalated their presence, reportedly stationing over 100 plainclothes officers outside the dormitory. Tensions further intensified when several students were arrested and reportedly beaten by police. Amir Hossein Gohari was one of the detained students, and three others were also taken into custody. These arrests led to chants of defiance, with protestors voicing anti-regime slogans such as "Nothing can wipe away the blood that has been spilled" and "Death to Khamenei."

After several hours of detention, all four students were released under pressure from the university, according to the Amirkabir NewsLetter. However, the incident remains a flashpoint for ongoing dissent against the Iranian regime, with students continuing to demand accountability and greater safety measures.

The investigation into Khaleghi’s death remains open, and the Tehran Prosecutor's Office has ordered the immediate reopening of the case under its special prosecutor's branch.

This incident comes on the heels of previous student protests in Iran, including the widespread unrest sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. University protests have long been a focal point for opposition to the government, often reflecting broader discontent within Iranian society.