Report: Iran releases filmmaker Jafar Panahi

[May 25, 2010]  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- A semiofficial news agency says Iran has released an internationally renowned filmmaker after more than two months in custody.

Tuesday's report by Ilna says Jafar Panahi was released on bail of about $200,000.

Panahi had begun a hunger strike, demanding to be allowed to see his family, meet with a lawyer and be set free pending trial.

He has supported Iran's opposition following the disputed June presidential election in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the winner. But authorities have said the detention is not political.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.