WANA ( Feb 20) – Since the news of the tragic murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a 19-year-old Business Administration student at the University, by two thugs came out, it has hurt people’s feelings to the point that various rallies have been held by students.

 

University students have held protest rallies to protest the murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi; these protests have progressed to the point that some protesters have even pointed the finger of blame at internal affairs for the murder of this student;

 

Now that the murderers are arrested, the rage among people has not been resolved; it has only transformed from blaming internal affairs and potential political factors to blaming the justice system and the lack of interest in students’ safety.

 

“He was just one victim, but cases like this happen every day in this city and across the country.” These words, spoken by a University of Tehran student, show the growing fear and frustration over public safety in Iran.

 

Now, although on Tuesday morning, Feb 18th, the judiciary of Iran officially announced the arrest of the two perpetrators of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi’s murder, people are still unease and angry and have demands regarding two main issues;

 

Firstly, Proper penalty for the murders of Amir Mohammad, Secondly, harsher punishment for such crimes so that it will create a preventative effect

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, an Iranian student who was killed during a robbery, is seen in Tehran, Iran, February 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Public Outcry and Demands for Change

Despite the arrests, Khaleghi’s murder has intensified public debate over Tehran’s security, with students and citizens expressing frustration over inadequate law enforcement.

 

A University of Tehran student told WANA reporters, “The police force should have regular patrols and a stronger approach to confronting robbers.

 

There have been cases where theft was reported, but no serious follow-ups took place. This negligence contributes to a feeling of insecurity.”

 

Another student expressed this sentiment, criticizing judicial leniency: “He was just one victim, but cases like this happen every day in this city and across the country.

 

The real problem is the judicial system—thieves are arrested but quickly released. The laws must change to ensure harsher punishments and better deterrence.”

 

During the rallies held in response to this incident, students released a statement directed at university officials, authorities, and anyone else affected.

 

In this statement, the students noted that “the authorities had been warned many times before the incident about the lack of security for the lives and property of the students.”

 

In response to mounting pressure, university officials have increased security measures, with guards stationed at campus entrances. However, many believe these steps are reactive rather than preventive, calling for systemic reforms prioritizing citizen safety over mere damage control.

 

Reaction of the victim’s family

Following the arrest of Amir Mohammad’s killers, his family was contacted his family, and the victim’s brother responded: “We learned on Tuesday morning that my brother’s killer had been arrested.”

 

He added: “We just want our brother’s blood not to be trampled and the accused to be punished.”

Iranian police are seen at the scene of the death of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, an Iranian student who was killed during a robbery in Tehran, Iran, February 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

A City on Edge

While the arrests have brought a brief sense of relief, they have not erased the underlying fears that Tehran residents grapple with daily.

 

The murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi has reignited discussions on crime, law enforcement, and judicial accountability.

 

As investigations continue, the public remains anxious, demanding action that extends beyond short-term measures.

 

How many more lives must be lost before real change is made?

Police Negligence Under Fire in Student’s Murder

WANA (Feb 16) – Contrary to the news published yesterday regarding the arrest of the murderers of the University of Tehran student, officials announced today that the perpetrators have not yet been apprehended.   Following the murder of this student, protests erupted across universities. Students demanded accountability from the Iranian police, blaming negligence and inefficiency […]

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