Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urges clerics to be 'more tolerant' towards internet, technology

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has reportedly urged clerics in Iran to be more tolerant towards internet and new technologies by arguing that internet is an important gateway to the world of science and technology. In a speech broadcast on Iranian Television on Monday, Rouhani underlined the importance of allowing the younger generation an access to the internet and stressed that the nation cannot close the gates of the world to the youngsters, reported the BBC.

The President, who came to power in 2013, has been an avid supporter of greater media freedom but has faced opposition. Conservative clerics have often opposed the introduction of mobile broadband services by arguing that they allow immoral images to be shared more freely and easily. Prominent Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, said last week that internet was "immoral and unlawful". The government has although awarded 3G licences to three mobile broadband companies in Iran in recent weeks but the number of Iranians using the service still remains low.