🔶 Diplomatic confrontation between Iran and France; reaction to double standards

🔻 Report by Omid Barin

The expansion of students’ protests in France and the riot police’s response to them has been accompanied by sharp criticism from human-rights institutions. However, the entry of the Islamic Republic into the matter and the summons of the French ambassador turned this crisis into a diplomatic confrontation.

A response that, from the perspective of civil activists and experts, is full of contradictions; because the record of Iran’s security institutions in dealing with protesting students presents a completely different account from Tehran’s claims about human rights.

High school students’ protests in France began on Shahrivar 26 in the outskirts of Paris. Lack of teachers, overcrowded classes, and the deteriorated condition of school buildings were the main reasons behind these gatherings.

However, police intervention and the use of tear gas and plastic bullets turned the situation into violence. According to official reports, dozens of students were injured in these clashes—a response that drew criticism from human-rights bodies, including Amnesty International.