University of Florida President Bernie Machen’s upcoming trip to Iran to promote academic exchanges comes as a U.S. student faces Iranian charges for doing research in the country.
Machen leaves Thursday for the trip organized by the Association of American Universities. He’ll join presidents from five other U.S. universities on visits to several Iranian universities.
The trip was planned before a Cal State University graduate student who is a citizen of both Iran and the U.S., was arrested in Iran while researching women’s rights. Esha Momeni, 28, was released Monday after 25 days in jail but reportedly faces charges of acting against national security.
Machen deferred comment to the association. Barry Toiv, an association spokesman, said the trip is intended to promote student exchanges, and the arrest will be raised as an issue.
“It’s very difficult for these type of exchanges to continue in an atmosphere where people are arrested for their academic work,” he said.
...
