American University Fires Iran Official’s Daughter

ATLANTA, February 29, 2024 – Emory University has terminated the employment of Fatemeh ardeshir Larijani, whose father is a high-ranking Iranian security official recently sanctioned by the United States, following a swell of public outcry over her position at the institution. The decision underscores the growing scrutiny faced by individuals connected to the iranian government amid escalating tensions and accusations of human rights abuses.

Controversy Erupts Over Ties to Iranian Official

The dismissal follows U.S. sanctions and protests regarding the doctor’s father’s alleged role in suppressing dissent.

• The Winship Cancer Institute at Emory confirmed a doctor linked to a sanctioned Iranian official is no longer employed there.
• The decision came days after the U.S. treasury Department imposed sanctions on Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
• Republican Representative Buddy Carter had publicly called for the doctor’s dismissal and revocation of her medical license.

In a statement, the Winship Cancer Institute indicated that “a doctor, daughter of a senior iranian government official, is no longer employed by emory,” citing personnel confidentiality. The university did not explicitly link the dismissal to the sanctions but affirmed its hiring practices comply with federal and local laws.

Did you know? – U.S. sanctions aim to restrict access to the financial system and property for those deemed responsible for human rights abuses or destabilizing activities. Secondary sanctions can also target those doing business with sanctioned individuals.

What is the extent of Ali Larijani’s alleged involvement in human rights abuses? The U.S. Treasury accuses Ali Larijani of coordinating the regime’s repression of demonstrations in the name of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, labeling him an “architect” of what they describe as the deadliest crackdown in recent Iranian history.

The sanctions against Ali Larijani, a former member of the Revolutionary Guards who also served as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament for over a decade, were announced recently. He is known for his vocal criticism of Israel and has previously acknowledged Iranian support for Hamas.He has also warned that Iran could pursue nuclear weapons if attacked.

fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani was an assistant professor in hematology and oncology,focusing her research on novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of immune resistance in lung cancer. Her biography has been removed from the university’s website.

An Iranian leader in Beirut in a tense context

pro tip – Universities often face a balancing act between academic freedom and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, notably when dealing with individuals connected to foreign governments.

Earlier this week, Republican Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia publicly demanded Larijani’s dismissal and revocation of her medical license. Carter stated the university had a “moral obligation” to distance itself from someone connected to a regime accused of widespread human rights violations. Protests also occurred at the cancer center, where protestors denounced the father’s role in suppressing demonstrations.

Reader question – How should institutions navigate the complexities of employing individuals with family ties to governments accused of human rights abuses? Share yoru thoughts.

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