Iran Frees Jailed Human Rights Activist

Iranian rights activist, Emadeddin Baghi

Iran has freed human rights campaigner Emadeddin Baghi after he served a year-long jail term on charges of spreading "propaganda against the regime."

The release was announced by Baghi's lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht. Baghi was sentenced in July 2010 to a one-year jail term and was banned for five years from political activities.

The award-winning journalist was arrested on December 28, 2009, a day after opposition supporters took to the streets in a new round of protests against the controversial June 12 reelection of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

The 49-year-old, who was honored with the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for human rights activism in 2009, has also campaigned against the death penalty.

compiled from agency reports