Website: Iranian Authorities Detain Reformist Former Minister

A report says that a prominent Iranian reformist who was close to former President Mohammad Khatami has been arrested.

The Saham News website reported that Morteza Haji, who served as cooperatives and education minister during Khatami's two terms as president, was arrested on January 5 and taken to Tehran's Evin prison.

The report said it was not clear why Haji, who was previously detained in December 2009, had been arrested.

Since Iran's presidential election, hundreds of reformists have been detained and put on trial in a crackdown on the pro-reform opposition.

with agency reports