Iranian lawyer and prominent human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh [2] was permanently released on Sept. 18, after spending over two years in prison. Sotoudeh was serving six-year sentence for her September 2010 arrest and conviction for "propaganda against the system" and "harming national security." Other prisoners serving prison terms related to the 2009 mass protests were also released [3] that day. Among the released prisoners was former Iranian deputy foreign minister Mohsen Aminzadeh [4] who was sentenced to six years [5] in prison for his participation in protesting the 2009 presidential election. It is estimated that the total number of prisoners released is around 10.
From Jurist [6], Sept. 19. Used with permission.
Note: Sotoudeh's release comes ahead of the first UN visit by Iran's new President Hassan Rouhani [7], and it appears she was released on his authority. (The Guardian [8], Sept. 18)
