University of Freiburg’s position on repression against members of Iranian universities

The University of Freiburg fully supports the statement of the Senate of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) on the situation in Iran. Fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must not be restricted anywhere. We stand in solidarity with all people who stand up for these rights.

In its statement dated October 05, 2022, the HRK expresses concern about the violence against university staff in Iran and writes:

"In view of the escalating situation in Iran and the recognizable repression carried out by the state against students and academics at numerous Iranian universities, the Senate of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) expressed its shock and concern at its meeting on Wednesday. In the wake of nationwide protests following the violent death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in police custody, there have apparently been strikes and protests at more than one hundred universities. According to consistent media reports, the state side is cracking down with increasing severity on the protesters, many of whom are university employees.

“The right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are being violated to a considerable extent. The situation fills us with the greatest of concern,” said HRK President Prof. Dr. Peter-André Alt. The HRK Senate declared its solidarity with Iranian citizens, in particular members of Iranian universities, in their commitment to human rights and explicitly also women’s rights, and appealed to all involved to refrain from violence.