Iranian opposition figure Mehdi Karroubi is set to be released from house arrest on Monday, marking 14 years since his detention for advocating a rally in support of the 2011 Arab Spring protests, according to state media reports.
Karroubi’s political associate, former Prime Minister Mirhossein Mousavi, is also expected to be freed from house arrest in the coming months, as stated by Karroubi’s son, Hossein, in an interview with Jamaran, a news outlet associated with moderate political groups.
At 87 years old, Karroubi, along with 83-year-old Mousavi, campaigned on a reformist agenda during the 2009 elections, which resulted in the controversial re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and sparked widespread protests over alleged electoral fraud.
Both leaders were detained in 2011 for their prominent roles in the protests, yet they were never formally tried or charged.
“My father was informed by security officers that his house arrest would be lifted today, following orders from the head of the judiciary,” Hossein Karroubi told Jamaran, referring to the upcoming Monday.
He added that security personnel would remain at their residence until April 8 to ensure his father’s safety.
Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, confirmed Karroubi’s release but did not mention Mousavi’s situation.
Last year, Hossein Karroubi indicated to Ensaf news that his father would not agree to any changes in his house arrest status as long as Mousavi remained detained.
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Current Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had pledged during his election campaign to secure the release of both leaders.
