Ahmadinejad's presence at Tehran University provokes protests

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s surprise visit to Tehran University was met with student protests and anti-government chants, reformist website reports.

Jaras website reports that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad paid an unannounced visit to Tehran University today, Saturday, to attend a commemoration event for Ayatollah Morteza Motahari.

The event’s venue was surrounded by Special Guards and protesters were impeded from entering the amphitheatre. Reportedly only “special students” with previous invitations were allowed to enter.

According to Jaras, close to two thousand students, gathered in front of the Ebn Sina Amphitheatre and then proceeded to demonstrate on campus chanting: “Death to the dictator!” “Have shame, dictator! Leave the university!” “Death or Freedom!” and also “Ya Hosein! MirHosein!” in support of the disputing candidate of the 2009 presidential election, MirHosein Mousavi.

University security personnel also tried to disperse the students but were not successful, according to Jaras website.

In the post-election events, university students have repeatedly shown their solidarity with the opposition movement against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad through protests especially whenever government figures visit university campuses.

Students have also been the repeated target of government crackdown on protesters. While many have been arrested, scores have also been expelled or suspended from university.