Iran's top academic dissident released on bail

Iran's leading academic dissident Hashem Aghajari was freed on bail yesterday after two years in jail facing the death penalty for telling Iranians not to follow their clerical leaders like "monkeys".

Students took to the streets in violent protests in 2002 after the history lecturer, who lost a leg in the 1980-1988 war with Iraq, was sentenced to hang for blasphemy.

"I hope there will come a day when no-one goes to prison in Iran for his opinions, let alone be sentenced to death," Aghajari, speaking through his tears, told reporters outside his apartment in north Tehran.

His joyous family handed out confectionery and orange juice to journalists.

Long-haired Aghajari, 47, beaming with delight, embraced close friends gathered outside home.

His lawyer Saleh Nikbakht said one of the reformist's friends had met the bail of 970 million rials ($113,000).

He added that more than 160 well-wishers, including academics and clerics, had offered to help pay the sum.

Aghajari quipped that Iran's football victory against South Korea in the Asian Cup quarter-final had been a good omen.

"My faith in God has risen and I am happy I am returning to my people. I am happy the truth was victorious," he said.

He added he had refused a ride home with the Revolutionary Guard, prefering to make the journey from the feared Evin prison with his daughters who met him on his release.

Shi'ite Islam is based on emulation of learned figures so Aghajari's 2002 speech was considered to question the entire system of an Islamic state headed by the clergy.

The blasphemy charge was finally overturned by the Supreme Court in June after many senior clerics said it was too harsh.

In a retrial earlier this month Aghajari, who seemed gaunt and weakened by his confinement, was sentenced to five years in jail on a lesser charge.

Aghajari has always protested his innocence and made impassioned speeches from the dock, urging democratic reform in the Islamic Republic.

Two years of Aghajari's sentence were suspended, leaving one year for him to serve after taking into account the two years he had already spent in detention.

He will be free on bail until the Supreme Court provides a final ruling on how much of this remaining year Aghajari must return to prison to serve.

"I am very happy my husband has been released but I would rather he had been acquitted," said Aghajari's wife Zahra Behnoudi, her eyes swollen red with emotion.