Iran Condemns US Police Crackdown on University Protests over Gaza Conflict
Iran criticized the US for its handling of university student protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, with foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani condemning the violent police crackdown and ignoring human rights obligations.
Protests have occurred at American universities, resulting in arrests of over 275 people, and Iranians have held solidarity demonstrations in Tehran and other cities.
Protesters in some universities carried banners expressing support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel following the October 2020 attack by Palestinian militants that killed over 1,100 people in Israel, mostly civilians.
The attack was followed by Israel's offensive against Hamas, resulting in over 34,000 deaths, mostly women and children, in Gaza according to Hamas' health ministry.
Iran supports Hamas but denies direct involvement in the attack.
The speaker, Kanani, noted the growing global awareness and opposition to the situation through protests.
He stated that these voices cannot be silenced through police action or violent policies.