Minister: Attacking over 30 universities in era of human rights, int’l law ‘unbelievable’
Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf strongly condemned recent attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime on Iranian universities and research centers, labeling them a blatant violation of international law and a crime against humanity.
He told reporters on Saturday that over 30 universities across the country have been directly targeted in the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Simaei Sarraf made the remarks on Saturday following an attack by Israel on the laser and plasma research center at Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University. He added that Tehran’s University of Science and Technology and Isfahan University of Technology, among others, were also subjected to “brutal attacks” in recent weeks.
“According to international documents, attacks on these scientific infrastructures are not only a violation of international law but also constitute a crime against humanity,” the minister said. He emphasized that millions of students and researchers have been deprived of education and research opportunities.
Simaei Sarraf also referred to Israel’s previous assassinations of Iranian scientists, saying that Israel has been pursuing a program of targeting Iranian scientists for years. He recalled casualties from a 12-day conflict, including professors and over 60 students.
“Attacking universities and research centers is a return to the Stone Age and demonstrates hostility towards science, culture, and civilization – a hostility that has distanced itself from even the most basic human and democratic values,” he asserted.
Despite the attacks, Simaei Sarraf affirmed Iran’s commitment to continued scientific and technological development, saying that such acts of violence will not deter the country’s efforts to cultivate scientific talent for both Iran and the world.
The US and the Israeli regime have launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran since February 28. Hundreds of Iranians have lost their lives in the aggression.
According to the country’s Red Crescent Society “the enemy has so far targeted approximately 600 educational centers across Iran — including schools, universities, and other academic institutions.”