Iranian protester Erfan Soltani reportedly released on bail

Erfan Soltani was released on bail after his 8 January arrest, his lawyer told AFP; a two billion toman bail was paid for his release.

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old clothes shop owner, was reported to have been released on bail on Saturday, his lawyer told AFP. He was arrested on 8 January in the city of Fardis as protests were taking place across Iran. Rights groups and some media earlier reported he had been scheduled for execution, while Iranian judicial officials denied a death sentence and described security-related charges. Known details: - Soltani was arrested on 8 January in Fardis, west of Tehran, amid nationwide protests. - Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw and some Iranian media reported officials told his family he faced execution; Iran's judiciary denied a death sentence and said he faced security-related charges that carry prison terms. - Lawyer Amir Mousakhani told AFP Soltani was released on bail, received his belongings including his cellphone, and that a bail of two billion tomans was paid. Summary: The case drew international attention because of earlier reports about a possible death sentence and inconsistent official statements. Undetermined at this time.