Tehran University Head's Run for Presidency Sparks Backlash

Mohammad Moghimi, the President of Tehran University and known for violating students' rights, registered as a presidential candidate on Monday.

His bid comes amid widespread reports of ongoing repression against students across Iranian universities, including Tehran University, with many barred from campuses over hijab rules.

Moghimi's name gained prominence, especially after the Woman, Life, Freedom protests and the suppression of professors and students supporting the movement at Tehran University.

The announcement of Moghimi's candidacy led to significant reactions on social media. 

"Mohammad Moghimi is known at Tehran University for plagiarized articles," a former student of Tehran University told IranWire. 

"He awarded an honorary doctorate to Bashar al-Assad and stated that the development and progress of Syria is the development and progress of Iran. 

"Although it is unlikely that he will pass electoral monitoring, it is unfortunate that someone with such a black history of suppressing students is allowed to participate in the show elections in the country," the student said. 

In other Iranian universities, the suppression of students continues even as the June 28 snap election approaches. 

In the past, the Islamic Republic has tried to create minimal openings in society to encourage participation, especially from the young and educated generation. 

However, after significant opposition from the students of the University of Arts and others, the government seems less inclined to do so this time. 

The Telegram channel of United Students reported that in recent weeks, security officers have been preventing female students from entering colleges under the pretext of not observing the hijab rules.

There have also been reports of female dormitory students being banned from leaving their accommodations for not wearing a headscarf. 

Documents published by student sources reveal that several members of the security forces, whose names are mentioned, have been recording and reporting the movement of female students in full detail.