Iranian journalist, Hengameh Shahidi, released

Hengameh Shahidi

Hengameh Shahidi, one of Iran’s post-election detainees was released after posting a 900-million-rial bail on Sunday. ISNA reports that Ms. Shahidi’s release was issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Court.

Ms. Shahidi was in custody since June 30 and was on hunger strike since last week in protest to her unspecified charges.

Norooz website reports that Tehran’s prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi had requested her to stop her hunger strike. The report also adds that upon appearing at the branch 26 of the court, she “passed out due to weakness brought on by the hunger strike and was immediately transferred to Evin prison’s infirmary.”

This journalist, who suffers from heart disease, was reportedly under “sever physical and mental pressure” during her detention.

In recent days, Mohammad Ghouchani, chief editor of Etemad-e Melli daily and Morteza Alviri, Mehdi Karroubi’s senior aide who were both arrested in the post-election events, were also released.

Families of political detainees have been pressuring the government to release their loved ones through rallies and gathering and threats of starting a hunger strike.

Today, Monday, they gathered in front of Iran’s parliament buildings to make their voices heard.

Numerous prominent members of Iran’s reform parties are still in prison.