Iran: Student demonstrations at Khorramabad University in August 2000; treatment of participants by authorities
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN40114.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Student demonstrations at Khorramabad University in August 2000; treatment of participants by authorities, 16 September 2002, IRN40114.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4dae1c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to CNN.com, "vigilantes" prevented two prominent dissidents from speaking at a students' conference in Khorramabad (29 August 2000). Iran News Watch reported that Iran's National Security Council "accused elite Revolutionary Guards, volunteer Basiji Islamic militia and Khamenei's personal representatives of illegal acts which disrupted the conference of the Office to Consolidate Unity (OCU)...the largest pro-reform group and a key part of Khatami's under-fire reform movement" (Sept. 2000). Blocking two critics of the clerical regime at the airport in Khorramabad led to "days of riots and clashes" (ibid.). Human Rights Watch reported that a mob attacked the "largest student pro-reform organization" (the OCU) in Khorramabad (2001). "Government forces at the scene were reportedly unable or unwilling to protect the students. Over the next several days of violence, dozens were injured and one police officer was killed" (ibid.). Country Reports 2000 states that 150 people were arrested, although no details as to whether this figure included students as well as "semi-official club- and knife-wielding vigilantes" could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate within time constraints (23 Feb. 2001).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
CNN.com. 29 August 2000. "Pressure Mounts in Iran After Violent Crackdown." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2000. 2001. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. Human Rights Watch (HRW). 2001. "Special Issues and Campaigns: Academic Freedom." Sept. 2002]
Iran News Watch. 27 September 2000. "Iran Security Council Blames Guards."