Iran arrests suspects after Student’s murder sparks protests

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Saturday, February 15th, 2025

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RKI Network
TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have arrested multiple suspects following the murder of 19-year-old business student Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, whose killing near Tehran University dormitories sparked student protests demanding better security.
Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi confirmed the arrests on Saturday, stating that investigations are ongoing and authorities are working to bring the main perpetrator to justice.
Khaleghi’s murder on Wednesday led to protests on Friday, with dozens of students gathering to voice concerns over safety. Tensions escalated after plainclothes security forces intervened, according to Ham Mihan daily. However, Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf denied reports of student arrests and announced the resignation of the university’s dormitory management head.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed officials to closely follow the case, while First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has ordered an urgent investigation. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani reiterated on social media that student security remains a priority.
Tehran University’s caretaker head, Hossein Hosseini, attended Friday’s student gathering in a show of solidarity.
Khaleghi’s murder comes amid lingering tensions in Iran, where universities have been focal points for protests, including the 2022 nationwide demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. Tehran University also played a key role in past movements, such as the 1979 revolution and 1999 student protests.
Khaleghi was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown in South Khorasan province.