Iranian Parliament speaker calls harsh response to Azad U. bill vindictive

TEHRAN, June 23 (MNA) -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has harshly criticized the opponents of a parliamentary bill on Islamic Azad University.

The bill, which was approved on Sunday, allows Islamic Azad University to donate its properties for public purposes. The university’s board of trustees had previously decided to endow the properties of the university.

There has been strong opposition to the bill by some groups, especially those aligned to the administration, which claim it is in violation of the articles of association of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.

On Tuesday, Larijani said there is a difference between constructive criticism and disparaging remarks, and this should be remembered when assessing the performance of the branches of government.

“If the norms are observed in the criticism of (government) branches, it will be good and will promote the progress of that branch, but (this should) not (be done) with bad language,” Larijani stated in a speech to the lawmakers.

Larijani said certain groups are trying to loudly blow the trumpet of their opposition in order to drown out the revolutionary voice of the parliament and called their response vindictive and ugly.

The bill, if implemented, could enhance and empower the education system, he noted.

Larijani also asserted that what the lawmakers chose to ratify, if endorsed by the Guardian Council, will come into force and should be respected.

However, in response to the parliament’s ratification of the bill, a number of university students gathered outside the Majlis on Tuesday to voice their opposition to the bill.

Some MPs also left the open session of the Majlis and joined the demonstration outside.

The students also called for the resignation of Majlis Education and Research Committee Chairman Ali Abbaspour.