Mohammad Nourizad released on heavy bail

Mohammad Nourizad

Detained Iranian writer and director, Mohammad Nourizad was released temporarily after six months in prison.

Kaleme website reports that Nourizad, who was arrested last December charged with “propaganda against the regime”, was released after posting a $300,000 bail.

Nourizad was a columnist for the state newspaper, Keyhan, for years and following last year’s controversial presidential elections, he wrote a series of critical views on the actions of Islamic Republic officials.

He also made certain criticisms regarding the Supreme Leader’s support for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad whose victory was tainted with allegations of fraud.

Nourizad continued writing letters of criticism to Ayatollah Khamenei even after he was incarcerated and subjected to long terms of solitary confinement.

Yesterday another prominent journalist, Emadeddin Baghi was released on another heavy bail after over six months in prison.

Following the disputed presidential elections of 2009, thousands of protesters were arrested and many were handed long prison terms. Some of these prisoners have been allowed to take temporary leaves on exorbitant bails.