A speaking event for reformist figures Ali Shakourirad and Faezeh Hashemi at Shiraz University was reportedly cancelled due to pressure from extremists.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that the Cultural and Political Society of Shiraz University has filed a complaint to challenge the cancellations and the influence exercised by “rogue pressure groups from outside the university” on the university administration.
The Cultural and Political Society of Shiraz University announced on Wednesday February 17 that the speaking event entitled “Rational dialogue, and introduction to empathy and compassion” had been cancelled, despite having received the necessary permits from the university supervisory board.
The Basij Students Association and the Leader’s Representative office had expressed opposition to the event.
Across the country, the Basij student associations and the Leader’s Representative offices act on behalf of conservative factions of the Islamic Republic and they have been systematically opposing events and outreach efforts from reformists as the country gets ready to vote on February 26 for representatives in Parliament and the Assembly of Experts.
