TEHRAN, Oct 8: More than 100 students scuffled with police and hardline supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday on Tehran University campus and chanted “death to the dictator” outside a hall where the Iranian president spoke.

“Revolutionary president, we support you,” the hardline students shouted back, pushing and shoving those who were voicing opposition to 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.

Monday’s protest was the second rowdy reception Ahmadinejad has received at a 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 on Monday shouted: “Detained students should be released”. Ahmadinejad’s supporters responded: “Hypocrites, leave the university” and waved religious banners.

The president, who polarises opinions in Iran by berating the West and with his populist agenda, had delayed his speech from last week because he felt unwell, officials had said.

More than 100 students, who tried to leave the campus to protest, briefly scuffled with campus police who stopped them.

“Fascist president, the university is not a place for you,” students chanted as they marched towards the campus gates.

Other rival students, including members of the Basij religious militia, wrestled and punched each other.

GAUGING SUPPORT: Before leaving the campus, some professors gave Ahmadinejad a carpet to thank him for his speech at New York’s Columbia University last month. The US university’s head introduced his guest as a “cruel dictator”. Ahmadinejad said this was rude.—Reuters