University students in Iran are calling for a “referendum” at anti-regime rallies that have been sweeping the nation for the 18th day in a row. Schoolchildren joined these demonstrations and teachers and merchants have shown solidarity by going on strike in some provinces.
“Referendum…Referendum… This is the people's motto!” chanted demonstrators at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
They also used slogans condemning the riot police’s raiding of the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.
Universities across Iran are witnessing anti-government protests that had erupted following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police.
Despite authorities cracking down on protesters, demonstrations spilled to other universities in Tehran, Urima, Mashhad and Ardabil. Students continued to organize sit-ins on Tuesday.
Education Ministry efforts failed in quelling student masses who were not only demonstrating against the oppressive regime but were also urging authorities to release their fellow protesters arrested over the last two weeks.
Although protests initially broke out against Iran’s compulsory hijab law, they spiraled into full-blown anti-regime demonstrations.
“We don’t want the Islamic Republic,” chanted demonstrators in Mashhad on Monday evening.
“The killing of protesters in Iran, especially in Zahedan, amounts to crimes against humanity. The international community has a duty to investigate this crime and prevent further crimes from being committed by the Islamic Republic,” said Iran Human Rights Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.
According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, at least 154 people have been killed in the nationwide protests. At least nine are believed to have been under 18 years of age.
Most killings have been reported in Sistan and Baluchistan, Mazandaran, Gilan and West Azerbaijan, said the organization.
The number of confirmed deaths in Zahedan's bloody Friday has also risen to at least 63.
