Long-time Islamist leader Mohamed Mursi is sworn in as Egypt's first freely-elected president in decades.

The 60-year-old former engineer took the oath of office Saturday in the country's top court.

He vowed to uphold the constitution and safeguard the country's nascent democratic institutions.

The ceremony, however, comes amid an ominous backdrop.

Earlier this month, Egypt's military - which has run the country for the last 17 months - stripped the presidency of many of its powers.

That prompted massive protests in Cairo - and fears a cadre of ruling generals are attempting to sidetrack the transition to democracy.

Andrew Raven, Reuters