Update: Iran: Shiva Nazar Ahari released on $500,000 bail

Shiva Nazar Ahari, women's and children’s rights activist and a head member of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, was released today on a $500 thousand (USD) bail after enduring 266 days in prison. Her official sentence has not yet been announced.

Nazar Ahari was arrested on December 20, 2009 at Enghelab Square along with numerous other activists including Kouhyar Goodarzi, another founding member of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters. They were on their way to the city of Qom to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Montazeri.

The last trial for Shiva Nazar Ahari took place on September 4th for the charges of “moharebeh” (enmity with God), “assembly and collusion to commit a crime”, “propaganda against the regime,” and “disrupting the public order”. The trial took place in branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court with presiding judge Pir-Abassi. Worldwide protests were also launched calling for the freedom of Shiva Nazar Ahari.