DUBAI (Reuters) – Iranian opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi is set to be released from house arrest on Monday, marking the end of a 14-year detention following his protests against the disputed presidential election results, as reported by state and semi-official media.
According to Hossein Karroubi, the son of Mehdi Karroubi, his father’s political ally, former Prime Minister Mirhossein Mousavi, will also be released from house arrest in the coming months. This information was shared with Jamaran, a semi-official newspaper associated with moderate political factions.
Karroubi, now 87, and Mousavi, 83, campaigned on a reformist platform during the 2009 election that saw the re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The election results were met with widespread protests by citizens who alleged electoral fraud.
Following their prominent roles in the protests, both Karroubi and Mousavi were detained in 2011 without facing trial or public charges.
Hossein Karroubi stated that his father was informed by security officers that his house arrest would be lifted on Monday based on orders from the judiciary. Security personnel will remain present at his residence until April 8 for his protection.
While Iranian news agency IRNA confirmed Karroubi’s impending release, there was no mention of Mousavi’s situation. Hossein Karroubi had previously stated that his father would not accept the lifting of his house arrest as long as Mousavi remained detained.
Iran’s current President, Masoud Pezeshkian, had pledged to release both politicians during his election campaign.
(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
