Violent demonstrations in Iran after Ahmadinejad re-elected
Violent demonstrations in Iran after Ahmadinejad re-elected
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Saturday, 13, Jun 2009 06:42
Violent demonstrations have broken out across Tehran today after it was announced Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been re-elected as president of Iran.
Earlier on Saturday the country's interior ministry confirmed the 52-year-old had secured around 62 per cent of the total vote, with his main rival Mir Hossein Mousavi claiming 33 per cent.
The election drew a huge turnout, with official figures showing 85 per cent of those eligible to vote cast their ballots.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, congratulated Mr Ahmadinejad on his victory and warned opposition supporters against challenging the result.
Mr Mousavi had earlier complained of irregular voting and described the final figures as a "dangerous charade".
The ayatollah celebrated the high turnout but warned against any kind of "provocative and distrustful words or deeds" by disgruntled voters.
Despite the warning, however, thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Saturday in demonstration.
Reports claim riot police have been deployed to try and control the crowds after officers came under attack.
Mr Mousavi's supporters had been left waiting for news from their candidate who originally claimed victory in the election but later cancelled his scheduled news conference this morning.
The 67-year-old had spent the last 20 years in the political wilderness after the prime ministerial post he held was abolished in 1989.
He returned, however, to challenge Mr Ahmadinejad in yesterday's election, accusing him of isolating Iran by repeatedly criticising the United States.