In a recent development, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has publicly endorsed the pro-Palestine protests taking place on American college campuses.
He lauded the students' efforts, stating they were "on the right side of history."
The Supreme Leader, notorious for his stringent suppression of dissent within Iran, used the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice his support. He commended the American students for their "defense of the Palestinian people" and criticized the U.S. government for its unwavering support of Israel.
Khamenei stated, "You have now formed a branch of the Resistance Front and have begun an honorable struggle in the face of your government's ruthless pressure which openly supports Zionists." He further described Israel's actions as "genocide and apartheid," urging the students to persist in their opposition against the "brutal Zionist regime."
The Supreme Leader's endorsement is seen as an attempt to align the student protests with the "Resistance Front," a coalition that includes Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. He also highlighted the support of college professors for the campus protesters as "a significant and consequential development."
Pro-Palestinian protests have been widespread across U.S. college campuses since April, fueled by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Demonstrations have taken place at nearly 140 campuses nationwide, featuring sit-ins, encampments, and walkouts. The students have demanded that their universities divest from companies associated with Israel and called for an end to the violence in Gaza. Consequently, over 2,000 students have been arrested, and several commencement ceremonies have been canceled.
However, Khamenei's endorsement has raised questions about the students' awareness of his track record. House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on X, "When you've won the Ayatollah, you've lost America."
Under Khamenei's leadership, the Iranian government has continued to implement severe oppressive measures against protesters in 2024, particularly those advocating for women's rights. This crackdown was triggered by widespread protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody.
A report released in March by the United Nations Human Rights Council revealed that Iranian authorities have escalated their crackdown, specifically targeting women who defy compulsory hijab laws. The report indicates that women are facing police violence, arrests, fines, and even death penalties.
Human Rights Watch also reported that Iranian courts, especially revolutionary courts, regularly fail to provide fair trials and often use confessions likely obtained under torture as evidence.
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