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Iran Releases Newsweek Reporter

Humanitarian considerations thought to have played role

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2009 8:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iran set free yesterday the Newsweek journalist it had held prisoner since the disputed June elections. Maziar Bahari was released on $300,000 bail, likely because of humanitarian conditions—the magazine reports that the 42-year-old is expecting his first child October 26, and the baby's mother has had serious health issues. Tehran was mum on reasons for the release, but Bahari's case was mentioned during recent US-Iran talks in Geneva.

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Journalist Maziar Bahari was freed from Tehran's Evin Prison last night after posting bail of $300,000. (AP Photo/Newsweek, File)

Newsweek reporter Maziar Bahari at a press conference after his trial in Tehran. (AP Photo/Fars News Agency, Hossein Salehi Ara, file)

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We are relieved that Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari is home with his family today. We would like to thank all of those who supported Maziar through this long and uncertain period. - Newsweek statement on Bahari's release

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Iran Releases Newsweek Reporter