ELIA Stands in Solidarity with the Peaceful Protesters in Iran

Women, life, liberty. ELIA, the globally connected European network of higher arts education, is deeply saddened and concerned by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of Iran's morality police after she was arrested for “inappropriate attire” (Reuters 15-10-2022). Many more people died in the ensuing protests, many demonstrators were arrested. ELIA stands in solidarity with all peaceful protesters, including in Iranian universities and schools, calling for gender equality and an end to political and social repression in Iran. ELIA strongly condemns all violations by Iranian government forces of the right to protest, of the freedom of speech and (artistic) expression.

We will continue to reiterate ELIA’s commitment against discrimination and the power abuse, and to advocate for a climate of freedom and peace in which arts education, personal development, international dialogue and exchange can flourish. To take action within ELIA’s own network and direct sphere of influence an Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Taskforce and Working Group were instated in 2021.