TEHRAN, Iran -- Authorities freed a dissident writer Thursday
after he spent more than a year in jail accused of trying to overthrow the
Islamic system.
Taqi Rahmani was among dozens of pro-reform activists arrested last year in
sweeps ordered by the conservative religious establishment. Many of those
jailed have been released in recent months in an apparent sign the ruling
clerics are seeking to lessen political tensions.
Rahmani told The Associated Press he was freed on bail of $125,000. He is
charged with insulting Islam and seeking to topple Iran's theocracy.
Rahmani has been repeatedly jailed in recent years for his outspoken criticism
of the nation's powerful Islamic leadership.