Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been formally endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the winner of Iran’s presidential election last June 12.

The ayatollah formally backed the incumbent two days ahead of official re-inauguration and amid allegations that election protesters were tortured. Defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi accused the authorities of using torture to extract confessions.

About 100 reformists and activists were put on trial in Tehran on Saturday, but both Mousavi and former President Mohammad Khatami denounced the hearings which continued on Sunday. The charges include conspiracy, rioting and vandalism.

Meanwhile, thousands of Iranians rejected the official declaration that Ahmadinejad had won the election.

The real challenge now for Ahmadinejad after his swearing-in may be whether he can assemble a credible team of ministers that will be endorsed by parliament. It is not clear exactly what opposition demonstrations are planned this week.

(via BBC)