Vahid Saadattalab, an Iranian doctoral student at Stockholm University, was supposed to have completed his dissertation today.
His thesis has gained publicity because he included a handwritten greeting in Persian praising the Iranian regime and calling people like Ayatollah Morteza Motahari and top general Qasem Soleimani martyrs.
Canceled after 30 minutes
The defense at the university was planned to last three hours and about 20 audience members and several security guards were present in the hall.
But after just under 30 minutes, the event was called off.
This after Saadattalab chose to produce a printed picture of Qasem Soleimani, which he held up in front of the audience, which led to great anger in the hall.
Soleimani was the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force and one of the most powerful people in Iran.
Niklas Hedin is head of department and professor of materials chemistry at the university.
- I have never seen that a defense has been cancelled, I have never heard of it.
I don't know right now, we have to digest this.
The defense was adjourned
Several police officers were present at the university during the defense and entered the hall when the commotion broke out.
Vahid Saadattalab did not justify why he chose to show the picture, but according to Saadattalab, Morteza Motahari and Qasem Soleimani are heroes who should be celebrated.
- Soleimani is like a father to me, like a brother.
He saved my country, so why not dedicate it to him, Saadattalab has previously told SVT Nyheter.
The defense was adjourned, and it is not yet clear what date it will resume.
SVT Nyheter has been in contact with Vahid Saadattalab on Friday, who at the moment does not want to give any comments.