New York, New York, September 21, 2007— PEN American Center welcomed the release of Kian Tajbakhsh, a social scientist and urban planner who was arrested at his home in Tehran on or about May 11, 2007, and held in Evin prison.

According to the New York Times, Dr. Tajbakhsh was released early Thursday after his family paid nearly $107,000 in bail. He has not yet been given permission to leave Iran.

More information:

Larry Siems, (212) 334-1660 ext. 105