Iranian Authorities Release Animal Rights Activist Without Charge

An animal rights activist who was detained in Iran on December 4 has been released by authorities in Tehran.

Ali Tabarzadi was released during the weekend without being formally charged.

Authorities have not provided a reason for his arrest on December 4.

One of Tabarzadi's relatives told RFE/RL’s Radio Farda that he was interrogated about his activities as an animal rights activist.

Tabarzadi’s brother, Hossein Tabarzadi, said eight security agents searched the family's house in Tehran on December 4 and took away computers and other personal items.

Tabarzadi, the son of well-known political prisoner Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, was detained ahead of a rally planned to protest the mistreatment of animals.

With reporting by Radio Farda broadcaster Baktash Khamsehpour