Iranian officials shut down a German-language educational institution situated in Tehran.
Iranian authorities have shut down the German Language Institute (DSIT) located in Tehran's northern part. As reported by witnesses, the building was surrounded by security forces, and images of a significant police presence outside the language school were shared on social media platforms.
The authorities claimed the closure was due to violations of Iranian laws, as stated by the justice portal Misan. It was also reported that two "unauthorized" German establishments were shut down. The Nurnews website, known to be close to the Iranian security council, suggested that this move was a response to the closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH).
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office expressed their disapproval, calling it an "unjustified action" against the German Language Institute in Tehran. The institute is a well-known and recognized hub where individuals put in great effort under challenging circumstances to learn the language.
Meanwhile, it was announced that the Iranian ambassador in Berlin would be summoned. The spokesperson demanded that the new Iranian government allows the resumption of teaching at the institute immediately.
About a month ago, the Federal Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser (SPD), banned the IZH as a "major Iranian propaganda center in Europe." Nationwide, the police seized assets and facilities of the center and five affiliated partial organizations. In retaliation, Iran summoned the German ambassador. The association of the IZH also filed a lawsuit against the ban decision of the Federal Ministry of the Interior a week later.
Over the years, there have been consistent diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Berlin. At present, several German nationals, some of whom also hold Iranian passports, are being detained in Iran. Critics blame Tehran for using foreign nationals as political hostages. However, Iran denies these allegations, justifying the arrests as a result of espionage charges. At the beginning of 2023, the German-Iranian Djamshid Sharmahd was sentenced to death on terrorism charges.
As per its website information, the German Language Institute Tehran (DSIT) was established in 1995 by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Iran. Currently, the institute has 85 teaching staff, as reported by the Foreign Office.
The Iranian authorities justified the closure of the German Language Institute (DSIT) due to alleged violations of Iranian laws, as mentioned by the justice portal Misan. The authorities also shut down two "unauthorized" German establishments in response to the closure of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) by German authorities.
