'Iran Lifts House Arrest of Mehdi Karroubi After 15 Years,' ISNA
The decision, effective from Monday, was confirmed by his son, Hossein Karroubi, who stated that the move comes following an order from the head of the judiciary, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a political development, Iranian authorities have lifted the house arrest of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi after 15 years.
The decision, effective from Monday, was confirmed by his son, Hossein Karroubi, who stated that the move comes following an order from the head of the judiciary, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).
Mehdi Karroubi, a prominent figure in Iranian politics and a former Speaker of the Parliament, was placed under house arrest in February 2011. This action was taken in response to his role in the protests that erupted after the disputed 2009 presidential election, where allegations of electoral fraud led to widespread demonstrations.
The prolonged house arrest has been a point of contention both domestically and internationally, with numerous calls for his release over the years.
Hossein Karroubi noted that while the house arrest has been lifted, security personnel will remain at his father's residence until April 9, 2025, as a precautionary measure.
He emphasized that no restrictions have been imposed on his father following the lifting of the house arrest. According to Hossein, the security officials informed his father that their departure is imminent, regardless of his acceptance of the situation, ISNA reported.
This development follows previous indications of easing restrictions on political figures. In September 2024, Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian announced the lifting of Karroubi's house arrest and mentioned ongoing efforts to address the situation of another opposition leader, Mir Hossein Mousavi.
It remains to be seen how this decision will influence Iran's internal dynamics and its relations with the international community.