Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ayatollah Won't Overturn Ahmadinejad's Victory

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 13, 2009 12:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – This might seal it: Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi’s request to overturn the results of the presidential election, the Guardian reports. Khamenei, perhaps dashing Mousavi's only chance to upend an outcome the challenger claims was rigged, called Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s win a “divine assessment.” Hundreds of Mousavi protesters, meanwhile, clashed with riot police in the streets of Tehran.

The disturbances—youths set tires ablaze and formed human chains—are the most serious in Iran since a student uprising in 1999, says the AP. Mousavi counseled restraint even as he railed against “governance of lies and dictatorship,” adding that “people won't respect those who take power through fraud.” The Revolutionary Guard said that it would put down any “revolution” by Mousavi supporters, dubbed the “green movement.” Iran is still under a widespread communications blackout.

Iranian riot police clear away the remains of burning debris.
Iranian riot police clear away the remains of burning debris.   (AP Photo)
Leading challenger and reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Leading challenger and reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.   (AP Photo)
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.   (AP Photo)
Iranian supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Iranian supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.   (AP Photo)
Supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi engage in running battles using stones and petrol bombs against police.
Supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi engage in running battles using stones and petrol bombs against police.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Netstorm2k10
Jun 14, 2009 9:41 AM CDT
also @NutsInNY- furthermore, I wasn't trying to be profound, I was commenting on the Catch-22 style paradox of the 'unbiased' state wanting its citizens to believe the 'official' vote tallies.
Netstorm2k10
Jun 14, 2009 9:38 AM CDT
@NutsInNY- Sometimes the simplest truths are the ones that bear repeating.
Netstorm2k10
Jun 13, 2009 10:11 AM CDT
The thing about situations like this is that knowing the truth about the numbers, in this case, the vote tallies, depends on those in power telling the truth. But power protects itself to the point of corrupting elections. Those who think that people with power will be willing to give it up simply because they say they will are disturbingly naive.

More Newser Stories

Ahmadinejad: Iran to Reveal 'Big' Nuclear Progress

Iran: We Can Strike US 'Around the World'

Iran Again Flexes Naval Muscles

Iran Willing to Attack US: Report

Ahmadinejad: Iran Ready for Nuke Talks


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne