A group of student activists at the University of Tehran has issued a declaration addressed to students and freedom-seeking people, announcing the arrival of a historic moment for uprising and steadfast resistance. The Free Iran Scholars Network (FISN) expresses its full solidarity with these students and with students across Iran who have once again placed themselves, consciously and courageously, on the front lines of the struggle for freedom.
In their declaration, the students state that “the cry for the end of dictatorship is now echoing across cities everywhere, and oppression is more shaken than ever.” They emphasize with clarity and urgency: “This is not a moment to watch; it is a moment to stand; a moment to rise.”
The voice of the University of Tehran carries historic weight. This institution is not only a center of learning but a living archive of Iran’s modern civil resistance. As the students themselves declare, “For years, oppression has taken our breath away, but we are the same ones who stood against tyranny in 1999, 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022.” This historical continuity underscores a fundamental truth repeatedly affirmed by Iran’s students: dictatorship is not reformable. It must be brought to an end.
FISN recognizes the students’ declaration as a continuation of this tradition of courage and responsibility. It is a declaration that rejects silence, fear, and enforced normalcy. It carries a clear promise that “the historic entrance gate of the University of Tehran will once again witness determined footsteps” and that “the resonance of freedom’s cry will break the silence.”
The Free Iran Scholars Network strongly condemns the Iranian regime’s long and systematic record of repression against students and academics, including arbitrary arrests, expulsions, surveillance, torture, and the securitization of universities. In light of the current conditions, FISN calls on the international academic community, university leaders, scholarly associations, and human rights institutions to act with urgency and responsibility:
- Demand the immediate release of detained students and an end to the militarization and securitization of university campuses.
- Support independent documentation of human rights abuses and ensure the preservation of evidence for future accountability and judicial proceedings.
- Provide platforms and safe channels for Iranian students’ voices, and support at-risk scholars and academics through emergency and protective pathways.
- Reject disinformation and propaganda aimed at delegitimizing Iran’s democratic movement or erasing the central role of students and women in leading it.
The students of the University of Tehran conclude their declaration with words that will endure:
“If they have taken hope from us, we will take it back. If they have made the night long, we will build the morning ourselves.
This voice will not be silenced.
This movement will not be stopped.”
FISN recognizes this voice as the voice of Iran’s future. It will not be silenced. This movement will not be stopped. We will stand with Iran’s students until freedom, human dignity, and academic independence are achieved.
In solidarity with Iran’s students
In defense of human rights and academic freedom
Long live freedom
Free Iran Scholars Network (FISN)