This discussion sheds light on the enduring struggle for academic freedom in Iran since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Against all the pressure and oppressive measures that the state has imposed on universities, Iranian university students have persistently fought against tyranny and have been the vanguards of socio-political resistance for over four decades. We all have witnessed their courageous efforts, exemplified by their early protests following the tragic murder of Zhina-Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The totalitarian Islamic republic responded to these peaceful demonstrations and campus strikes with brutal suppression, arrest, persecution, and dismissal from universities.

This discussion between a distinguished panel of experts offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind this enduring oppression and its profound impact on science and higher education in Iran. Through their personal experiences as scholars, our panellists will illuminate the dire state of academia under suppression and the grave consequences of the lack of academic freedom in Iran. Listen to the discussion to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Iranian scholars and the resilience they display in the face of adversity.

Panellists

Sina Entesari, journalist and human rights activist

Azadeh Ganjeh, academic and researcher in exile

Farshid Nowrouzi Roshnavand, academic and researcher in exile

Negar Partow, academic and researcher and media commentator

Moderator

Encieh Erfani, scientist in exile

This webinar was co-hosted by:

Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA)

International Community of Iranian Academics (ICOIA)

International Solidarity for Academic Freedom in India (InSAF India)

Off University

Peace with Justice Network (UK and Turkey)

Peer Network

REPLITO (Digital Knowledge Archive, Germany)

Scholars at Risk

Strengthening Human Rights and Peace Research and Education in ASEAN/Southeast Asia (SHAPE-SEA)