Iran frees political prisoner Nasrin Sotoudeh

Human Rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, along with other 10 political prisoners, were reportedly freed by Iran.

07:48 19 September 2013

Staying true to his promise during his election campaign, Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani, has freed 11 political prisoners including human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh. Some reports also say that reformist politician Mohsen Aminzadeh was also freed.

Ms Sotoudeh was jailed for six years on charges of acting against national security. The human rights lawyer said that she did not have any idea that she was to be released on Wednesday night. She was dropped off by prison officials at their home. Her husband, who was extremely happy about the news, told AP news agency: I am happy that she joined us, particularly as our younger child is starting school for the first time.”

"We are very happy but we will be happier if other prisoners are freed."
Meanwhile, the Iran government did not release a statement on the release of the political prisoners.

Based on the investigation carried out by the Guardian, UK, there are still about 800 political prisoners in Iran. They include lawyers, bloggers, journalists, feminists, Christian priests, Sunni clerics, and the entire leadership of the Bahai faith in Iran.