Iraq suspends university for politics

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister suspended classes and banned political activities at one of Baghdad’s leading universities following student protests on campus, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

Iraq also banned the student union at Mustansiriyah University, raising questions over Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s commitment to free speech.

The government maintains the school was falling under the sway of religious Shiite groups.

Studies at the university were suspended for one week, spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement posted on a government Web site.

Al-Dabbagh said the action was taken because of problems caused by “undisciplined individuals.” The statement did not provide any further details.