Middle East Studies Association of North America, Inc.
3542 N. Geronimo Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85705
520 333-2577 phone
520 207-3166 fax
Our letter expressing concern about the unprecedented lethal state violence against the nationwide protests in Iran since 28 December 2025, including the killing of over 3,700 civilians and thousands of arrests, among them many students and faculty members, and calling for an immediate end to violence and arrests, and the restoration of internet access.
Our letter protesting the very recent arrests and summons of five independent scholars accused by the regime of threatening national security, and calling upon the government to desist from its punitive practices and the ongoing violations of citizens’ rights.
Our urgent letter to the Iranian authorities demanding information about the whereabouts and circumstances of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali who was moved to an undisclosed location soon after Evin Prison came under Israeli attack on 23 June 2025 and has not had contact with his family since then.
Our letter expressing alarm regarding the imminent risk of execution of Ahmadreza Djalali, Iranian-Swedish scholar on death row in Iran and joining global academic & human rights voices demanding justice and his safe return to Sweden.
Our letter calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Iranian students Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi, who were denied fair trials and have been unjustly imprisoned for five years on baseless charges and subjected to mistreatment. In addition, the letter urges President Pezeshkian to uphold his campaign promises by protecting students' rights and academic freedom. It also highlights the broader crackdown on students in Iran, especially following the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, during which thousands faced arrests, suspensions, and disciplinary actions.
Our tenth letter to express our outrage and deep concern, and demand the release from prison of the dual national (Iranian-Swedish) Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali who has been detained on false charges for nine years and condemned to death on the basis of a forced confession.
CAF welcomes the recent news that Islamic scholar Sedigheh Vasmaghi was released from Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison on Monday.
Our letter to the Iranian authorities protesting the politically motivated arrest of Prof. Vasmaghi, a renowned scholar of theology, from her home in March 2024, and her transfer to Evin Prison, violating her basic rights.
Profiles of Iranian academics who have been dismissed from their university positions since the beginning of the presidency of Ebrahim Raisi in 2021 through the Woman, Life, Freedom nationwide movement in 2022-2023 when Iranian universities emerged as centers of activism.
Our letter to Iranian government authorities objecting to the ongoing attacks on academic freedom in Iran since September 2022 and specifically, the politically motivated dismissals of and other punitive measures taken against university professors who have supported their students' freedom of expression and right to engage in peaceful protest
Our letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the ongoing harassment of Iranian women students and the imposition of punitive measures against them if they appear to defy the hijab laws or show solidarity with protestors.
Our letter to Iranian authorities to condemn the persistent and widespread attacks by poisoning at girls' schools and women's college dormitories and call for an impartial and transparent investigation into their origins and bring the perpetrators to justice. From the initial attacks in November 2022 until today, more than 7000 students from across the country have been impacted and a climate of fear and insecurity prevails.
Our letter protesting the unjust imprisonment of Iranian scholar and researcher, Professor Saeed Madani
Letter to Iranian authorities condemning recent attacks on academic institutions, students and teachers protesting government violence & repression.
Ninth letter to the government of Iran regarding the worrisome circumstances of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, incarcerated since April 2016 on false charges and sentenced to death. This time, we urge the rescinding of the judiciary's order of execution expected to occur by 21 May 2022.
Letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the recent dismissals of Iranian university professors.
Letter to Iranian authorities protesting the reimprisonment of Prof. Fariba Adelkhah.
Letter to Iranian authorities calling for the immediate release of conservationist, Niloufar Bayani, who is serving a 10-year sentence on dubious charges and is experiencing declining health. Bayani has contracted the Covid-19 virus in prison and has been sent to a quarantine isolation ward with inadequate medical support.
Letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the unjust prosecution and sentencing of Dr. Parviz Tarikhi for scholarly research on peaceful uses of space.
Letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the unjust prosecution and sentencing of Touraj Amini for scholarly research on Qajar history and Iranian Constitutional movement.
Letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the unjust prosecution, sentencing, and prolonged detention of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali for unfounded allegations of espionage in Iran.
Letter to Iranian authorities objecting to the unjust prosecution and sentencing of Prof. Sedigheh Vasmaghi for her peaceful protests against police brutality, and the banning of her books in Iran.
MESA is pleased to report that Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was released from prison on November 25, 2020 after 804 days' detention in Iran, and has returned to Australia.
Letter to Iranian authorities protesting students' detention, and reports according to which they are being pressured into making televised false confessions in order to escape the death penalty.
Letter to Iranian authorities protesting the transfer of Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert from Evin to Qarchak prison and expressing grave concern for her safety and well-being.