TH Köln stands in solidarity with protesters in Iran

TH Köln joins the German Rectors' Conference and the German Academic Exchange Service in their statements on the current situation at Iranian universities. "It is with great concern that we observe the ongoing violence against students and university staff in Iran," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Herzig, President of TH Köln. "We express our solidarity with the protesters who, at universities throughout the country, are peacefully taking to the streets for their rights. Respect for human rights and the right to freedom of speech are important values that should be encouraged at universities, not restricted."

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has triggered protests in Iran. Morality police detained her on September 13 for violating the country’s mandatory hijab law. Shortly thereafter, she fell into a coma under unexplained circumstances and died on September 16. Since then, students, teachers, researchers and university staff have taken to the streets across the country to demonstrate for their rights. Numerous people have died or been injured during the protests. Hundreds have been arrested.