IRANIAN police chief Hossein Ashtari has threatened those calling for a boycott of next month’s presidential elections, after the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said those who refuse to vote are not Muslims.

After a meeting with religious singers known as maddahs, Mr Ashtari said: “The (Supreme) Leader of the revolution cited everything in his meeting with members of parliament and determined everyone’s duty. The police and the judiciary will deal with anyone who transgresses according to the law.”

The ominous statement comes amid growing anger over the exclusion of candidates put forward to stand for the presidency. Five-hundred-and-eighty-three nominations were rejected by the 12-member guardian council — handpicked by Mr Khamenei.

Among those blocked from running are former president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, who has voiced strong disapproval, branding the move unconstitutional.

Security forces have clamped down as major unrest grips the country, with strike action and protests ongoing in many major towns and cities.

On Friday, Baluch fuel carrier Habibollah Naroui was shot dead by troops in Minab, southern Iran. It followed the killing of three kolbars (porters) earlier in the week.

According to human rights reports, 74 people were killed by security forces last year.