Iran Accuses Academic Of Espionage For U.S.

Ramin Jahanbegloo, speaking in Tehran in May 2004 (AFP) July 2, 2006 -- Iran today accused jailed academic Ramin Jahanbegloo of having spied for the United States, with the aim of toppling the ruling Islamic system.

ISNA news agency quotes Intelligence and Security Minister Gholam-Hussein Mohseni-Ejei as saying that Jahanbegloo, who also holds Canadian citizenship, was arrested on April 27 in connection with U.S. efforts to start a soft revolution in Iran.

Intellectuals in Iran, as well as the U.S.-based NGO Human rights Watch, have called for Jahanbegloo's release.

(dpa)