Tehran Student's Murder Triggers Outrage as Iran Promises Swift Justice
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Iranian police announced on Saturday that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old university student Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, whose killing has sparked widespread protests at Tehran University. Khaleghi, a business student, was beaten to death by muggers near his university hostel on Wednesday. His tragic death has ignited national outrage, with students demanding increased campus security. Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi confirmed the arrests, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing and authorities are working to identify the culprits and bring them to justice. "The authorities are striving to identify the culprit as soon as possible and bring him to justice," Salehi said, speaking to judiciary-affiliated Mizan Online.
On Friday, dozens of students gathered in protest, calling for action from university officials. Tensions escalated when plainclothes security forces intervened, according to reports from Ham Mihan daily. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian responded by instructing Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf to ensure the case is pursued thoroughly. Sarraf, in turn, announced the resignation of Tehran University’s head of dormitory management but denied reports of arrests following the protests.
In response to the growing unrest, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref ordered a swift investigation into the murder, while government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani emphasized that student security remains a key priority. Tehran University's caretaker head, Hossein Hosseini, visited the Friday gathering to show solidarity with the students.The protests are part of a long history of student activism in Iran, which has played a significant role in political movements throughout the country's history, including the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the 1999 protests advocating for press freedom. On Saturday, Khaleghi’s body was laid to rest in his native village in South Khorasan province.
