Iran Says Greek Reporter Working For U.S. Paper Released
July 05, 2009
TEHRAN (Reuters) -- Iranian officials say they have released a Greek journalist covering Iran's disputed presidential election for the "Washington Times," state television reported.
"Because of the humanitarian efforts made by Iran's envoy to Greece...the Greek journalist was released today," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi told state television on July 5.
The semiofficial Fars news agency reported on June 23 that Iason Athanasiadis was arrested in Tehran on charges of "illegal activities."
Iranian authorities had said Athanasiadis exceeded the duration of his visa to stay in Iran.