Writing on his website, Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi has delivered a sharp criticism of the oppression of students in his country.

He was reacting to the large-scale arrests, by the Iranian authorities, of around 100 student leaders in the past few days. He said this would lead to nothing and went on to stress that despite the repression in his country, its reform movement is still alive and kicking.

Former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani also made himself heard. He accused Iran's leaders of intolerance and added that they have closed the door on constructive criticism. Mr Rafsanjani, one of the main figures in Iran's opposition movement, also called on protesters opposing the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to express their views "within the framework of law."

The comments come as the Iranian authorities take strict measures to prevent demonstrations when the country marks Student Day on Monday. Student Day commemorates the killing of three students in 1953 by the government of the former Shah.

In recent years, however, it has been notable for protests against the current government. The opposition has called on supporters to assemble at the university in the capital Tehran on Monday morning, and from there to take part in a protest march.

The authorities have responded not only by arresting student leaders but also by revoking all permits for foreign media on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Internet access and mobile phone lines are also to be brought to a standstill throughout the country.

Photos of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from Wikimedia Commons