Sir, - Last week we saw Iranian students protest against a ban on reformist newspaper Salam and against a suggested amendment to current Iranian press law. The suggested amendment would severely curtail the freedom of the press in Iran. The protesting students are primarily trying to safeguard one of the fundamental human rights, the right to freedom of expression.
In Ireland we often take it for granted that we can voice diverse opinions and write letters to the Editor concerning this and that. The students in Iran, however, have in recent years witnessed numerous newspapers and magazines being forced to close down. They have also heard reports of writers and journalists being detained and jailed, while others have been harassed, even killed, by unknown hands.
The protesting Iranian students are calling for, among other things, the removal of the ban on the newspaper Salam. The removal of the ban could mark the beginning of a journey to greater freedom of expression in Iran and thus, a more colourful and diverse world for us all.
Perhaps the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Hossein Amin-Rad, would like to comment on this issue. - Yours, etc., Janina Sagvik,
Phibsboro, Dublin 7.