Iranian journalist and human rights activist Heshmatollah (Heshmat) Tabarzadi was released yesterday after serving five and a half years at the Rajae Shahr prison in Iran.

Heshmat was arrested on December 28, 2009 following the disputed presidential election. Over the past 20 years, he had been repeatedly arrested for exercising basic civil liberties such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and for taking part in the green movement against president Ahmadinejad.

He was sentenced to 74 lashes and nine years in prison for “disturbing public order”, “insulting president Ahmadinejad”, “Insulting the Supreme Leader” and “Spreading propaganda against the holy Islamic Republic”. He was also banned from participating in any social activities for 10 years. After his appeal, the sentence was reduced to eight years and the flogging was annulled.

Read also: “I will not be silent”: Tabarzadi on Life After Prison