MOSCOW, June 14 (RIA Novosti) - Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in Iran's capital overnight, amid protests over the incumbent president's landslide election victory.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was confirmed as the winner of Friday's election with 63% of votes, with a record turnout of 85%. The moderate reformist challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi, who was widely expected to either win or force a second voting round, garnered only 34%.
Thousands of Mousavi's supporters gathered on the streets of Tehran on Saturday, protesting against alleged ballot fraud. By evening the demonstrations had turned violent, with rioters burning police motorcycles and smashing shop windows. Police fought back the protesters with batons and tear gas. According to protesters, several dozen people have been arrested.
Mousavi said he would refuse to recognize Ahmadinejad's victory.
"I personally strongly protest against the many obvious violations, and I warn that I will not surrender to this dangerous charade," the former premier said in a statement.
"The results announced for the tenth presidential elections are astonishing... People who stood in long lines and knew very well who they were voting for were utterly astonished by the magicians working at the television and radio stations."
"This result will jeopardize the pillars of the Islamic republic and establish tyranny."
Independent election observers were banned from polling stations.
Ahmadinejad is expected to hold a news conference on Sunday, followed by a victory rally.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urged Iranians to accept the results, and said the election had been conducted fairly.
Several countries have voiced alarm over the post-election violence.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: "The violent actions of the security forces against demonstrators is not acceptable," while U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington was monitoring the situation closely.
