Protests as Iranian president is sworn in

MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD was sworn in for a second term as Iran’s president yesterday while security forces battled hundreds of protesters chanting “Death to the Dictator” in the streets around parliament where the ceremony was held.

Key opposition leaders, moderate lawmakers and all three of Ahmadinejad’s election challengers boycotted the swearing in ceremony.

State-run Press TV said more than 5,000 security forces were in the streets around parliament and police with sniffer dogs patrolled the area after the opposition called for demonstrations to coincide with the inauguration.