Iranian government warns protesters

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Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi received another stern warning on Saturday not to encourage his supporters to take to the streets. The Supreme Leader sought to end the deepening election crisis on Friday by effectively declaring President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner.

Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi had planned a massive rally in Tehran on Saturday afternoon, along with supporters of another reformist candidate, Mahdi Karroubi.

But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered opposition leaders on Friday to end street protests or be held responsible for any "bloodshed and chaos".

Tehran police chief warned the opposition on Saturday that permission for the rally had not been granted, and that it would be illegal.

Ahmad Reza Radan, Tehran Povince Police Chief, said, "Definitely police forces will crack down on any gathering or protest rally which is being planned by some people."

The police chief also said that anyone who try to manipulate people to take to the streets by falsely announcing they had legal permission would be arrested.

The Interior Ministry reiterated the warning, saying the opposition would "be held responsible for the consequences of any illegal gatherings".