Iranian shopkeeper who faced execution released on bail

Erfan Soltani, 26, who was arrested on January 8 on charges including propaganda and acting against national security, has been released on bail after about three weeks and reportedly had his belongings returned.

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old shopkeeper, was arrested on January 8 after taking part in anti-government protests. The judiciary said he faced charges including propaganda against the religious system and acting against national security. He was held at Ghezel Hesar prison outside Tehran for about three weeks. His lawyer said he was released on bail and had his possessions returned. Known details: - Arrest date and charges: detained on January 8 on counts described as propaganda and acting against national security. - Detention location and duration: reported to have been held at Ghezel Hesar prison for about three weeks. - Release terms: his lawyer confirmed he was released on bail and that his belongings, including his phone, were returned; the bail was reported at about £11,000. - Sentence status: some reports said he had been sentenced to death while authorities disputed that he had been sentenced to death. Summary: His release removed the immediate detention and was reported to have been secured by a bail payment. Undetermined at this time.