Tehran academics denounce crackdown

TEHRAN: Dozens of Tehran University professors appealed to Iran’s Supreme Leader to halt the ongoing violence against opposition protesters, a pro-reform Web site reported on Monday.

The letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — signed by 88 professors — was the latest daring challenge to the Iran’s clerical leadership.

The letter, posted on the Greenroad Web site, called the attacks a sign of weakness in the ruling system and demanded punishment for those who beat up students. — AP