Iranian officials provided guidance to academic institutions on managing staff and student demonstrations in 2023 - report

The correspondence to leaders of universities, higher education centers and research bodies across Iran called for firm measures against any demonstrations.

Protesters light fires, set roadblocks in Tehran following the death of Mahsa Amini, September 21, 2022.

(photo credit: WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

JULY 20, 2026 16:54

Updated: JULY 20, 2026 17:05

Iran's Science, Research, and Technology Ministry issued instructions to the nation's academic institutions on suppressing the September 2023 protests, which erupted on the anniversary of the regime's killing of Mahsa Amini, according to documents newly released by the Amirkabir NewsLetter, a student-run media outlet.

The correspondence to heads of universities, higher education institutes, and research institutes across Iran called for a strict approach to any protests.

“Rioting must come with a cost, and a passive stance will embolden the rioters,” Ebrahim Hosseini, then-director general of the Office for Coordinating Administrative Misconduct Committees for Employees and Faculty Members, wrote.

The letter explicitly called for institutions to follow directives issued by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, including the suppression of demonstrations.

“Distinguished university presidents can also have a preventive aspect; explaining the results and effects of these measures in making educational and research environments healthy will play a significant role in strengthening and influencing the concept and position of the rule of law in the process of investigating violations.

“Therefore, it is hoped that the preparation of the requested report and its submission will be put on the agenda as a matter of urgency,” Hosseini wrote.

Women, Life, Freedom protests followed Amini's killing by regime's security forces

Protests broke out across Iran a year after 22-year-old Amini was killed by the regime's security forces for not wearing her head covering properly.

Her father, Amjad Amini, was briefly arrested on the anniversary of her death, and security forces surrounded the family home to prevent them from attending a graveside ceremony, sparking further public outrage.

In the Women, Life, Freedom demonstrations that followed Amini's murder in 2022, more than 500 people, including 71 minors, were killed, hundreds were injured, and thousands were arrested, according to multiple human rights groups.