Iranian lawmakers dismissed the country’s science minister on Wednesday over his alleged support for pro-Western voices at universities, dealing a blow to moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

Iranian lawmakers dismissed the country’s science minister on Wednesday over his alleged support for pro-Western voices at universities, dealing a blow to moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

The no-confidence vote against Science, Research and Technology Minister Reza Faraji Dana is a sharp rebuke of Rouhani, who was elected last year on promises of greater openness and diplomatic engagement with the West.

Out of 270 lawmakers present on Wednesday, 145 voted against Dana. The chamber has 290 seats.

The lawmakers were angered by Dana’s support for teachers seen as pro-Western or who had been involved in opposition rallies following the disputed 2009 presidential election.

They also accused him of tolerating student publications that question Islamic teachings.

 
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