Cal State Northridge student Esha Momeni, who was arrested by Iranian authorities last month during a routine traffic stop, was released today on bail, a friend of the family said.
Momeni, a 28-year-old Iranian-American, was working on a documentary about the women’s movement in Iran when she was taken into custody on Oct. 15. She has been incarcerated since then at Evin Prison in Tehran.
Since the news of her arrest was made public, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have joined with students, professors and academics worldwide in calling for her release.
Hassan Hussein, a close friends of Momeni’s, said she was freed on bail after her family surrendered the deed to their home to Iranian authorities.
“I spoke to Esha this morning and I can say she sitting at home, surrounded by family and friends and in good spirits,” Hussein said.
The Associated Press reported last week that court officials privately told Momeni’s family that her detention was related to her involvement with Change for Equality, a campaign launched by Iranian female activists in September 2006.
Momeni is expected to appear in court Tuesday, Hussein said.
“We don’t know what tomorrow holds but I think so far this is the best we could hope for,” he said.
