The seemingly biased measure is actually part of the 2007 EU regulation that was passed in connection with a 2006 UN resolution concerning sanctions against Iran. Sapo spokesperson Patrik Peter told TT: “It concerns not only that which is directly affected by nuclear weapons, but also aerospace technology.”
Sveriges Radio reports that Sapo, and two other government agencies, sent letters to seven Swedish universities alerting them to the threat. The letter noted that masters and PhD studies involving technology related to nuclear weaponry or the rockets that carry them could end up in the hands of the wrong people.
Patrik Peter said he was unsure if the restrictions would result in all Iranians being banned from Swedish universities. Nor does Sapo have any idea how many Iranians will be affected by the new measures. Iranians do, however, comprise the largest group of foreign students at Chalmers who are enrolled in masters programs, with 120 admitted for the autumn 2008 term alone.
