Student groups from different regions of Iran announced that they have come together at this historic and critical juncture in the country’s history to form an alliance.
The statement by university students said: “At a time when the people of Iran are courageously rising up to completely dismantle the fascist regime and religious oppression, we, too, declare our presence in this historic and critical moment. As the walls of religious repression crumble, we rely on critical thought and the legacy of the student movement to guard against the danger of oppression reorganizing itself in different forms. This is what has brought us together.”
The students stated that they would not forget what happened during the protests in January and outlined the fundamental principles of their alliance as follows:
A clear stance against reactionism and inherited tyranny: We will not bow to sheikhs or religious leaders. The revolution of the Iranian people is a journey toward freedom, equality, secularism, and democracy. Attempts to restore the past and reestablish the monarchy are a betrayal of the principle of freedom. We will not choose between “bad and worse”; our preference is a rule by the people.
Drawing a line against fascism and totalitarianism: The slogan “One state, one flag, one leader” recalls the dark era of Nazi Germany and has nothing to do with democracy. This movement, associated with slogans of throne, annihilation, and death, seeks to impose its own beliefs and suppress the freedom demands of the women’s movement. Those who conduct politics through threat and fear are a danger to Iran’s future. We will not allow Kurds, Turks, Baloch, and all the children of this country to be labeled as “separatists,” nor will we permit domination through military repression.
Universities: They are strongholds of freedom, not centers of individualism or arenas of majoritarianism. We categorically reject attempts to force students to chant slogans. Students are not propaganda tools for any dictator. Exploiting the blood of fallen students for personal interests is an insult to science and to struggle.
Pluralism and collective reason: Our alliance is based not on individualism but on collective reason. Our goal is not to support a single person but to strengthen civil society. As republicans, we seek a system in which power is temporary, changeable, and accountable.
A call for unity: We call on all libertarian, secular, leftist, patriotic, and democratic students, and everyone devoted to Iran’s freedom, to join this alliance.
The statement concluded: “Our conscious unity is a strong wall against present oppression and the barbarism to come. As the true voice of the people of Iran, let us raise our voices for a modern and democratic future.”
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