Statement of the Czech Academy of Sciences on the current situation in Iran

The Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) expresses deep concern about substantial human rights violations in Iran, which directly affect students from high schools and universities as well as the entire academic community. The CAS stands entirely on the side of the protesters, strongly condemns the repressive actions of the Iranian security forces, and calls for an immediate end to the state-directed aggression against its own population. The CAS hereby joins the declaration of the international organisation IHRN. A similar statement was also issued by Charles University.

Full statement below:

The Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) expresses deep concern about substantial human rights violations in Iran, which directly affect students from high schools and universities as well as the entire academic community. The current tense situation in the country escalated in mid-September of this year following the killing of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, after the morality police detained her for wearing her hijab “improperly”. Mahsa Amini’s tragic death has had a significant impact on the daily lives of the Iranian people. Peaceful nationwide protests, calling to end the violence and discrimination against women, the introduction of necessary state reforms and respect for democratic principles, have resulted in mounting repression from Iranian security forces. Protesters have faced unjustified arrests and unlawful beatings, students have been threatened with expulsion from schools, and academic and university premises have been seized for military use. Sadly, many people have been injured or even killed during the crackdown. This kind of response and action by the Iranian authorities is unacceptable.

Iran, as a signatory to the 1966 UN International Covenants, namely the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, is primarily responsible for guaranteeing fundamental human rights and freedoms to all individuals within its territory.

The CAS stands entirely on the side of the protesters, on the side of female and male students expressing their ideas and beliefs peacefully, and on the side of women calling for gender equality and freedom of choice in everyday life. At the same time, the CAS strongly condemns the repressive actions of the Iranian security forces and calls for an immediate end to the state-directed aggression against its own population.

Text: Czech Academy of Sciences
Photo: Shutterstock  

The text is released for use under the Creative Commons licence.

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