Iranian students call Ahmadinejad 'dictator'

More than 100 students scuffled with police and hard-line supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday on Tehran University campus and chanted "Death to the dictator" outside a hall where the Iranian President spoke.

"Revolutionary President, we support you," the hard-line students shouted back, pushing and shoving those who were voicing opposition to Mr Ahmadinejad, a Reuters witness said.

Liberal-minded students and academics have criticised the President for clamping down on dissent on Iranian campuses, although the President and his government insist they support free speech and welcome constructive opposition.

Yesterday's protest was the second rowdy reception Mr Ahmadinejad has received at an Iranian university in less than a year.

In December, students tried to disrupt his speech on another campus by hurling firecrackers, chanting and burning his picture.

"Students should feel responsible in the international arena... Today's world needs them," state television quoted the President as telling university officials and students in the hall. The television made no mention of disturbances outside.

One of the pro-reform students said those allowed inside to listen were handpicked because they supported the President. "We were not invited," said the student, asking not to be named.

Students and activists say some of those who have spoken out against the President and his government in the past two years have been detained or blacklisted from university courses.

Students yesterday shouted: "Detained students should be released". Mr Ahmadinejad's supporters responded: "Hypocrites, leave the university" and waved religious banners.

Before leaving the campus, some professors gave Mr Ahmadinejad a carpet to thank him for his speech at New York's Columbia University last month. The US university's head had introduced his guest as a "cruel dictator". Mr Ahmadinejad said this was rude.

Mr Ahmadinejad swept to office in 2005 vowing to share out Iran's oil wealth fairly and a return to revolutionary ideals. Critics say his policies have stoked inflation and his fiery speeches have provoked Western nations to impose sanctions.