BUDAPEST – Following several previous similar gatherings, a group of Iranian university students called for a peaceful gathering in front of the Iranian Embassy in Budapest. Approximately 40 people attended the event to call attention to the on-going election related violence in Iran and to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of the crack down by government security forces.
In order to ensure a peaceful gathering the students applied for, and were granted, permits by the police to hold the event on the street in front of the Embassy. Unlike previous events, police presence was extremely heavy. Security barriers were erected in front of the Embassy and the number of police appeared to outnumbered those attending the gathering.
The Iranian Embassy is located on a large thoroughfare not far from City Park, one of Budapest’s larger green spaces. Many local residents use the bike path which passes in front of the Embassy. Many passersby paused to examine the photos and homemade signs that the students had placed on the security barriers and trees in front of the Embassy.
There are several thousand Iranian students studying at various universities around Hungary. As well, there several hundred other Iranians who permanently reside in country.
The students agreed amongst themselves to continue to hold future events. However, several students expressed concern for their safety. “I have kissed goodbye the idea of going home in the future” said one student who wished to remain anonymous. Another student said that he had heard rumors of students who have been detained in Iran by security forces as they returned from other countries.
