Sir, - With reference to letters (July 20th and 23rd) concerning freedom of speech and demonstrations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, I would like to draw your readers' attention to the following:
On July 8th, while students were engaged in peaceful demonstrations, they were attacked by certain police officers and pressure groups, during which unfortunately a guest of one of the students was killed and several others were injured. The incident was strongly and unequivocally condemned by all authorities.
The National Security Council headed by the President held several meetings to investigate the matter. As a result of the investigations the commanding officer of the attacking unit and his deputy were discharged and referred to judicial authorities. The NSC assured the students their grievances would be fully examined and invited them to end their sit-in at the university campus. The students accepted the invitation and appointed a representative committee to follow their demands through legitimate channels.
On the same day and the day after, groups unrelated to the students attacked public property. Several areas in Tehran and some other cities were targeted by these elements causing heavy material damage. The students distanced themselves from these unlawful acts and condemned the violence by these suspicious elements.
The government, in line with its responsibility, took appropriate necessary action to contain the violence and law enforcement authorities were instructed by exercising maximum restraint to restore law and order without resorting to violent means. Several were arrested and will be brought to justice.
The government is determined to continue its policies of political development and institutionalisation of civil society and the rule of law. In this regard the government will re-double its efforts to ensure that all issues related to these unfortunate incidents are fully investigated, examined and redressed.
It is the consensus within Iranian society and public opinion that resort to unlawful and violent methods by any individual or authority should be rejected and various opinions and political tendencies must find their ways for expression in a safe and peaceful environment, protected by law.
The government will continue to emphasise the right of all citizens to freedom of expression including the right to hold peaceful demonstrations, to uphold freedom of the press and to use its influence and means available to it to prevent inappropriate limitations to these rights and will follow this course in accordance with its own constitutional obligations. - Yours, etc.,
A. Hajjafari, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dublin.