Iran has released more than 700 prisoners after the national team’s World Cup football victory over Wales.
It announced that “709 detainees were freed from different prisons in the country” following the 2-0 victory on Friday.
Among those are “some arrested during the recent events,” Mizan Online said, making an indirect reference to demonstrations that have shaken Iran for more than two months.
Mahsa Amini
The ongoing protests were triggered by the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, after her arrest by morality police for an alleged breach of Iran’s strict dress rules for women.
Prominent Iranian actor Hengameh Ghaziani had been released on bail after her arrest for having supported the protests.
Former international footballer released
According to reports, two of the most prominent protesters detained, former international footballer Voria Ghafouri and dissident Hossein Ronaghi, have been released on bail.
Former state television host released
Former state television host Mahmoud Shahriari, 63, had been released after two months in prison for “encouraging riots.”
2,000 people charged since protests
Iran’s judiciary says more than 2,000 people have been charged since the start of the protests.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said last week that around 14,000 people have been arrested.
