In support of Iranian University Professors and Staff

On Monday June 15th, 2009 at approximately 4:00 a.m, Iranian plain dressed Security and Ansaar forces viciously attacked the Tehran University dormitory, in an attempt to silence student opposition towards the Iranian government. University students have been very active in rallies and protests against Irans fraudulent presidential election results. Government forces beat, tortured and kidnapped many students. During this attack, 5 students were killed. Other universities, including Tabriz, Mashad, Shiraz, Ahwaz, Mazandaran and Esfehan have reported similar attack towards students. There are confirmed reports that at least 2 other students have been killed in Shiraz; however, due to tough restrictions on media and news agencies, the exact number of injured and kidnapped students is unavailable. Presently, 120 university professors, from the University of Tehran, Sharif University and Tehran Polytechnic University have resigned as a result of government attacks on students. University professors from all three universities have participated in a sit-in at Tehran University, accompanied by thousands of students.

A university should be a place of rationality, debate and free thought. It should be a secure environment, wherein students and professors are empowered, rather than attacked. The Iranian government is responsible to assure a safe and secure environment for university students and professors. We support the University professors demand to bring to justice those who committed these savage acts and crimes.

We, the undersigned, share a common concern for the university professors who participated in a sit-in at Tehran University, in support of their students. We are asking the Iranian government to provide security and protection to university students and professors throughout the entire country of Iran.