This is democracy?

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 | 2:06 a.m.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in last week as president of Iran and began his second term. The inauguration added further angst to human rights activists both in Iran and around the world who saw his election for what it was — a travesty.

There were widespread problems in the election that gave Ahmadinejad a purported overwhelming reelection victory. In some areas, for example, more ballots were cast than were given out, a sure sign that the fix was in. Protesters in Iran lodged their complaints with authorities and took to the streets — a risky proposition in a country that doesn’t value free speech.

Iran’s highest political bodies predictably rubber-stamped the election, dismissing protesters and casting aside rightful calls for a new election. The government responded with force and violence, beating and jailing protesters.

The government is in the hands of a group of hard-liners who care nothing about free speech or the will of the people. Holding elections gave Iran a veneer of democracy, but as the outcome shows, the country is far from democratic. Its elections, if you can call them that, are heavily controlled. Candidates are vetted and approved by a government body before they get on the ballot.

The United Nations and the international community have come out against the abuses in Iran, but the condemnations have been fairly muted. In his first term, for example, Ahmadinejad was given great deference and welcomed around the world — despite his virulent anti-Semitism, Holocaust denials and rabid polemics against the West.

Diplomats understandably have been careful dealing with Iran, particularly with its attempts to develop nuclear capabilities and its ties to terrorist groups. However, the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian government should not be overlooked.

Ahmadinejad’s “reelection” should give the world a sober view of Iran. Instead of placating Ahmadinejad this term and giving him the platform at major events, the world should make it clear that such tyranny will not be tolerated.