Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been sworn in
for a second term as Iranian President.
However hundreds of opposition supporters
disputing the election result gathered outside the parliament
defying an official ban on protests.
John Iion reports.
In a ceremony broadcast live on state TV,
Mr. Ahmadinejad took the oath of office
as prescribed in the Iranian constitution.
He went on to defend the election result.
The speaker of parliament Ali Larijani criticised the west
for their hastiness in condemning the result.
But outside, opposition protesters gathered
to give their contrary view.
They were met by hundreds of riot police.
Western countries declined
to give their official congratulations,
though ambassadors from Britain
and the European Union were present.