President Khatami told reporters that any violence, destructive or illegal activity by any group or individual will be dealt with according to the law.

"No system supports riots and stubborn behavior by university students," he said stressing that students are expected to observe civil rules and regulations.

The president stressed that society and universities in Iran favor a civil society with authorities accepting criticism and protest. On the other hand, those who want to criticize should also act within the framework of civil law, he added.

Khatami stresses secure atmosphere in society

President Mohammad Khatami on Wednesday said the most crucial task of a divine system and an efficient judiciary is "to make the atmosphere insecure for those who make the society insecure," IRNA reported from Tehran.

Addressing the inaugural session of a national seminar on the Judiciary in Tehran, he urged the judicial system to make efforts to establish security in the society for those who want to live respectfully.

Underlining the need for administering justice in the society, he said problems could be solved in a society in which justice is exercised.

On dangers threatening any society, Khatami stressed that the most threatening ones are violation of rights of the people and curbing their freedom.

"People are free within the framework of the law and our duty is to promote their freedom," the president said.

Elsewhere in his speech, he called for struggle against corruption, poverty and discrimination in the Iranian society.

He also paid tribute to the former chief justice Ayatollah Mohammad Hossein Beheshti, who, along with several ministers and dozens of MPs, attained martyrdom in a bomb blast at the headquarters of the Islamic Republic Party in June 1981 by the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO).

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Esmail Shushtari briefed the audience on the activities of the Judicial system.

Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, the Supreme Leader's Representative Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani and several senior judicial officials attended the opening ceremony of the seminar which is to continue till Thursday.

... Payvand News - 6/25/03 ... --