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The authorities in Iran have been cracking down on demonstrators for weeks, causing deaths and injuries. Students and staff at Leipzig University view this with great concern. Below you will find a statement from the Leipzig University management.

It is with great concern that Leipzig University has been observing the escalation of the situation in Iran over the past few weeks. This situation also poses a threat to the researchers and students living and working there, as well as to the academic exchange to which the University is committed. The University management expressly endorses the statement by the Senate of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).

For several weeks, students and researchers at Iranian universities have also been subjected to repression for protesting against human rights violations in their country following the violent death of the Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. People are denied the right to freedom of expression, and academic freedom is also under severe threat. Leipzig University shows solidarity with all those who stand up for freedom of expression and assembly as well as freedom of research and teaching and are persecuted for this by the security forces in Iran.

We will provide the best possible support to enrolled Iranian students and doctoral researchers at our university, as well as to staff with Iranian citizenship, if they need help. Students can contact the International Centre at any time. Further support services are offered by the Studentenwerk Leipzig with its social counselling and psychosocial counselling.

Update, 17 November 2022

At its meeting in Jena on 15 November, the General Assembly of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) expressed its “dismay at the continued state violence in Iran against peacefully protesting citizens, including many students and researchers”. The assembly of German university leaders declared its solidarity with the Iranian university members and the citizens demonstrating for human rights and explicitly also for women’s rights and equality in Iran.

Update, 17 January 2023

In view of the ongoing and worsening conflict between the regime and the democratic opposition in Iran, more and more students abroad are finding themselves in need – including in Leipzig. Leipzig University is bolstering its support services and at the same time calls on all its members to help in an appropriate way students whose situation is worsening due to the tensions in Iran.