Mehdi Karroubi, a key figure in Iran’s 2009 Green Movement, may soon be released from house arrest according to his son. This development follows years of detention since the 2011 Arab Spring. Although security officials suggested a release timeframe, there has been no official confirmation yet from Iranian authorities.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Reports indicate that Mehdi Karroubi, a prominent leader of Iran’s 2009 Green Movement protests, is expected to be released from house arrest soon. This information was conveyed by his son, Hossein Karroubi, through state media on Monday, and is reportedly based on communication from security officials, who mentioned that the release may occur in early April.
Mehdi Karroubi, a Shiite cleric and former parliament speaker who has also run for the presidency twice, has been confined to his home since the protests that followed the 2011 Arab Spring. His son did not disclose the identities of the officials who imparted this information, and at the time of reporting, there had been no official confirmation regarding the release from Iranian authorities.
In 2009, Karroubi was a vocal supporter of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s presidential campaign, who, alongside him, faced house arrest starting in 2011. The two leaders had called upon the public to demonstrate in solidarity with protesters in Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring. State media have been directed not to cover their activities or display their images since their detention.
Karroubi was instrumental in organizing protests against the alleged electoral fraud in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelection, which ignited widespread demonstrations demanding reforms and ultimately the resignation of Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In conclusion, Mehdi Karroubi’s potential release from house arrest marks a significant moment for the leaders of Iran’s 2009 Green Movement. While his son expresses optimism regarding this development, as of now, official confirmation remains pending. The historical context surrounding Karroubi’s activism highlights the ongoing challenges faced by political dissenters in Iran, particularly following the tumultuous events of the Arab Spring.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
