TEHRAN: In a recent development, Iranian authorities have taken action to close down an educational centre that has been accused of instigating riots during last year’s widespread demonstrations.
The protests were sparked by the tragic death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, while she was in police custody. State media reported this news on Monday, shedding light on the government’s response to the unrest.
The nationwide protests that shook Iran were a direct result of the September incident involving the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd. Amini was arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code and later died while in police custody. The controversial circumstances surrounding her death triggered an outpouring of public outrage, leading to mass demonstrations across the country, according to VoA.
Ahmad Mahmoudzadeh, the head of Iran’s non-governmental schools, stated, “We have obtained and executed an order to close down the Gaj centre, as directed by the Minister of Education.” Mahmoudzadeh revealed that the centre, during a Persian literature examination for students, had engaged in activities that incited riots. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the nature of these actions.
According to reports from Iran’s reformist newspaper Shargh Daily, the Gaj centre had apparently incorporated excerpts from revolutionary poems written by the renowned dissident, Farrokhi Yazdi. This revelation adds a new dimension to the accusations levelled against the educational centre, indicating a potential link between the study materials used and the unrest that followed.
Established in 2002, the Gaj educational centre has been recognized with multiple awards over the years for its exceptional educational materials, including university entrance exams. However, its closure now casts a shadow over its previously acclaimed reputation.
The protests that occurred last year witnessed a high number of casualties, with both civilians and security personnel losing their lives. Authorities attributed the violence to what they referred to as “riots” orchestrated by foreign countries in response to Mahsa Amini’s tragic demise. In a series of protest-related cases involving attacks and killings targeting security forces, seven men have already been executed.
Restoration of morality police patrols in Iran
In an effort to maintain social order and enforce the country’s dress code, Iran’s police recently announced the restoration of morality police patrols. These patrols will specifically target women who persist in violating the dress code, further emphasizing the government’s determination to uphold societal norms.
The closure of the Gaj educational centre marks another chapter in Iran’s ongoing struggle to manage the aftermath of the protests and address the concerns raised by its citizens. As the nation navigates through these challenging times, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle future developments and work towards building a more stable and harmonious society.
