Islamic Republic Releases Five Jewish Prisoners Convicted of Spying for Israel

The Islamic Republic of Iran has released five Jewish prisoners who were convicted of spying for Israel. The news of the release of the imprisoned Jews in Iran was announced today by Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, during a joint press conference with Dominique de Villepin, the Foreign Minister of France, in Tehran. Mr. de Villepin welcomed the release of these prisoners and stated that this action aligns with the Islamic Republic's efforts to improve its human rights record. The five released Jews were part of a group of ten Iranian Jews who were imprisoned three years ago for espionage for Israel. They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to thirteen years in secret and closed trials. However, the appeals court later reduced their sentences to a maximum of nine years. Israel has denied that these individuals were spying for them. Previously, two of the prisoners had been released at the end of their sentences, and three others regained their freedom early last year. Mr. Kharrazi did not specify when the remaining five prisoners were released but stated that they are free. Approximately twenty-five thousand Jews live in Iran and are allowed to freely practice their religious duties.