Iran: Further information on prisoner of conscience
AI Index: MDE 13/120/2007
Further Information on UA 110/07 (MDE 13/053/2007, 16 October 2007) and follow-ups (MDE 13/064/2007, 1 June 2007; MDE 13/107/2007, 24 August 2007) - Prisoner of conscience/Fear of torture or ill-treatment/Fear for safety
IRAN Dr Haleh Esfandiari (f), aged 67, academic, joint US-Iranian national
Kian Tajbakhsh (m), aged 45, academic, joint US-Iranian national
Parnaz Azima (f), journalist, joint US-Iranian national
Ali Shakeri (m), aged 59, peace activist, joint US-Iranian national
Peace activist Ali Shakeri was released from Evin prison on 24 September, on bail equivalent to approximately US$107,000. His passport was returned to him on 7 October, and he returned to his home in California two days later. He has contacted an Amnesty International office to ask for his thanks to be passed on to the UA network.
He had been kept in solitary confinement in Section 209 of Evin Prison, and was never charged with any offence. He was allowed no legal representation, but was allowed two visits from one of his brothers. The $107,000 bail took the form of the title to this brother's house in Tehran, and was reportedly arranged after this brother visited him in prison on 2 July. If Ali Shakeri does not return to face trial, the authorities may seize the property.
Haleh Esfandiari left Iran on 2 September. Kian Tajbakhsh was released on 19 September and has reportedly been reunited with family members in Iran. He is reportedly not allowed to leave Iran unless granted permission by a judge. Parnaz Azima had her passport returned on 4 September and left Iran on 18 September.
Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network.