WANA (Apr 05) – About three weeks after the controversial suspension of Helia Doutaghi, an Iranian scholar at Yale University, due to her outspoken support for Palestine, a video recently shared on social media has sparked a new wave of reactions. In the video, Doutaghi speaks with clarity and firm conviction about the reasons behind her suspension, stating:

 

“Even before October 7 and the intensification of the genocide in Gaza, I had always openly defended the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation. I have never, and will never, censor my views to keep a job.”

 

Emphasizing that knowledge must serve the truth, she adds: “I am not the only target. This suspension is part of a broader attempt to silence anyone who challenges official narratives.”

Behind the Suspension: Allegations by a Zionist Website Using AI

The suspension dates back to March 13, when Yale Law School suspended Doutaghi without giving her a chance to defend herself. The decision was reportedly based on a story published by the Israeli website Jewish Onliner, which used artificial intelligence to make claims against her—accusing her of supporting the Palestinian group Samidoun, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

 

Immediately after the decision, Doutaghi released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Yale made this decision without hearing my side and based solely on unfounded allegations. This is an attack on freedom of speech and an effort to silence dissent.”

 

Reflection, Courage, and Defiance Under Pressure

The recent video has once again brought attention to the case. Unlike her initial formal statement, this time Doutaghi speaks with a more personal, candid, and direct tone—not as an immediate reaction, but as a product of reflection and resilience over the past weeks.

“I will use every tool and opportunity to resist fascism and the blind worship of U.S. power.”