An informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that journalist and political activist Hengameh Shahidi has been allowed medical leave for the first time in eight months. Shahidi was among the journalists and activists arrested after the disputed 2009 presidential election, and the only female journalist who is currently serving her prison sentence. Shahidi was sentenced to six years in prison and so far she has served close to one-third of her sentence.

Tehran’s Prosecutor agreed to putting Shahidi on medical leave for 48 hours, which is extendable. Suffering from a variety of illnesses, Shahidi was last allowed medical leave for 12 days in November 2010.