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Iran parliament rejects President Rouhani minister choice Iran MPs reject Rouhani's nominee for science minister
(35 minutes later)
The Iranian parliament has rejected the government's choice for science minister, in a new setback to reformist President Hassan Rouhani. The Iranian parliament has rejected the government's choice for science minister, in a new setback for reformist President Hassan Rouhani.
Lawmakers voted 160 to 79 against the nomination of Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi. Lawmakers voted 160 to 79 against the nomination of Mahmoud Nili-Ahmadabadi.
The previous science minister was sacked by parliament for his alleged sympathies to the Iranian opposition. The previous minister was sacked by parliament for what critics claimed were his sympathies to the opposition.
President Rouhani was elected last year promising change and greater engagement with the west, but has faced resistance from hardliners. President Rouhani was elected last year on promises of greater openness and engagement with the West, but has faced resistance from hardliners.
Mr Ahmadabadi is Mr Rouhani's third attempt to fill the role. Mr Nili-Ahmadabadi was Mr Rouhani's third nominee for the role of science minister.
Members of parliament accused Mr Ahmadabadi of not distancing himself enough from the mass protests that broke out in 2009, after the re-election of Mr Rouhani's hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Members of parliament accused Mr Nili-Ahmadabadi of not distancing himself enough from the mass protests that broke out in 2009 following the disputed re-election of Mr Rouhani's hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Analysts say the choice is sensitive as the science minister is also responsible for higher education. Universities have been a hotbed of dissent, with students jailed and professors losing their jobs after the 2009 protests. Analysts say the choice is sensitive as the science minister is also responsible for higher education. Universities have been a hotbed of dissent, with students jailed and academics losing their jobs after the 2009 unrest, which the authorities considered a "plot".
Earlier this month, President Rouhani, called for greater academic freedom in universities, arguing restrictions limited innovation. The previous science minister, Reza Faraji-Dana, angered conservatives with his decision to allow those involved in the protests to return to campuses.
Earlier this month, President Rouhani, called for greater academic freedom in universities, arguing that restrictions limited innovation.
"We should not be concerned about the expression of diverse views by university professors," he said."We should not be concerned about the expression of diverse views by university professors," he said.
The previous science minister, Reza Faraji Dana, angered parliament by recruiting people involved in the 2009 unrest.