We are writing this petition to express serious concern regarding public statements made by Mr. Kevan Gafaïti, a lecturer at the Sciences Po Paris, during a recent televised broadcast in France addressing the ongoing situation in Iran.

During this program, Mr. Gafaïti stated that, based on his personal experience while present in Iran at the beginning of the unrest, he did not personally witness bodies in the streets. While he acknowledged uncertainty surrounding casualty figures and referenced estimates ranging from hundreds to several thousand and potentially higher  his framing placed strong emphasis on personal observation and numerical ambiguity.

We are concerned that, in the context of widespread repression documented by numerous independent human rights organizations, international media outlets, and official governmental statements, such an emphasis may unintentionally contribute to the relativization of the scale and severity of the violence. Reports from credible sources consistently indicate that thousands of people have been killed, many more injured or detained, and that individuals including young protesters  face execution or severe punishment.

Additionally, aspects of the broadcast discussed protest slogans and demonstrations in a manner that may blur the distinction between popular anti-government protests and regime-organized or state-aligned demonstrations. Given the highly sensitive and dangerous context in which Iranians are risking their lives to be heard, precision and clarity in public commentary are essential.

As an academic affiliated with a respected institution, Mr. Gafaïti occupies a position of authority that carries significant influence over public understanding. While personal testimony is valuable, it is particularly important that such testimony be clearly contextualized within the extensive body of verified evidence when addressing large-scale human rights violations.

For these reasons, we respectfully request that the University of Paris:

1-Review the public statements made by Mr. Gafaïti in this broadcast to assess whether they meet the standards of accuracy, contextual rigor, and professional responsibility expected of academic staff.
2-Consider providing guidance or clarification regarding the presentation of personal experience in public discourse on ongoing human rights crises, in order to safeguard academic integrity and public trust.

This petition is submitted not as a personal attack, but as a call for accountability, clarity, and ethical responsibility in academic public engagement. It reflects a commitment to factual accuracy, respect for documented human suffering, and the preservation of the University’s mission to uphold truth and intellectual integrity.

By supporting this petition, signatories affirm their dedication to ethical scholarship, responsible public communication, and solidarity with those whose voices are silenced under repression.