VNG International associate expert Kian Tajbakhsh released on bail - 08-04-10

Prominent Iranian-American scholar Kian Tajbakhsh has been released from an Iranian jail on bail.

Mr. Tajbakhsh’s wife confirmed that Kian has been released in March. He is, however, not allowed to leave the country.

Mr. Tajbakhsh was arrested and put on trial over the postelection crackdown and and was found guilty of harming national security. He handed one of the heaviest prison sentences; 15 years in jail, which was later reduced to five years by an appeals court.

Last month, a number of postelection detainees have been released or given prison leave, reportedly because of the Iranian new year.

Mr. Tajbakhsh is a social scientist and urban planner. He is an experienced consultant in municipal management and services, association capacity building, urban policy, housing, decentralisation, municipal water and waste management.