Iranian students clash with police

Main reason for protest is Ahmadinejad's imposed limitations on universities.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
iran student proest 298 (photo credit: AP [file])
iran student proest 298
(photo credit: AP [file])
Iranian students have clashed with police and Islamic vigilantes during a protest against restrictions imposed by Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's government. Some 40 police officers and four students were injured during the clashes outside Tehran University's dormitories on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to Iran Student News Agency ISNA, although conflicting reports listed the number of wounded police at around five.
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Six students were reportedly arrested during the protest. Western countries have long hoped that a popular uprising in the Persian country would lead to the overthrow of the radical Islamic regime ruling Iran. Abdollah Momeni, a student leader, said up to 2,000 students had gathered for the protest over the expulsion of some students and the authorities' handling of critics. He added that 20 had been seized by Islamic vigilantes who broke into the dormitories, reported ISNA. "The main reason for the objections in recent days goes back to the limitations imposed on universities and political students after the new government came to power," Momeni said. "Some active students have been expelled and some students face mass summons before disciplinary committees. We are also objecting to recent dealings with critical professors such as Ramin Jahanbegloo," he added. Iran this month said it had arrested philosopher Jahanbegloo - a liberal who favors strengthening ties with the West - on charges of espionage. Meanwhile students at Tehran's Amir Kabir University also launched protests against the alleged intervention of the Basij - an Islamic militia - in student elections. "We don't want the Islam of the Taliban" shouted students, according to the ISNA news agency.