While the fate of dozens of recently detained students remains in limbo, students at several universities across Iran continue daily sit-ins and protests against what they are calling the “electoral coup” of June 12. Student sources say no information is available on the fate of 50 students who have been “kidnapped” from Tehran University. Meanwhile, Nasser Aminnejad, an engineering PhD candidate who was killed during the attack of plain-clothed forces on the Tehran University dormitories was buried in the city of Yasooj. A group of 57 law professors and attorneys issued a statement calling for punishment of “aggressors to the holy vicinity of university campuses and dormitories in cities across the nation, especially the Tehran University dormitories, and forces responsible for the beating of students.” (Rooz Online, June 23)
Iran’s Guardian Council announced an extension of its examination of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelection victory beyond the June 24 deadline to June 29. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the chief of the Guardian Council, said his 12-member body needed more time for “the purpose of greater meticulousness and overcoming any possible ambiguity,” according to a televised statement. However, the council declared that it had found no evidence of “major” election irregularities and ruled out nullifying Ahmadinejad’s disputed victory.
Tehran’s streets were quiet June 23, with security forces arrayed at key squares and intersections and no reports of violence. Basiji militiamen, some wearing camouflage and armed with truncheons and others in plainclothes, lined the roadway leading to Enghelab (Revolution) Square. (LAT, June 24)
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