IRIB reporter released from house arrest

Tehran’s diplomatic efforts have secured the release of Iranian reporter Hamid Masouminejad, Iran Ambassador to Italy Mohammad Ali Hosseini says.

Italian counterterrorism prosecutor Armando Spataro released Masouminejad from house arrest on Monday. The Iranian national can resume his daily and work activities but cannot leave Italian soil without informing judiciary officials, ISNA reported.

Masouminejad, a senior correspondent for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Rome, was arrested along with five Italians and another Iranian national in March on charges of illegal arms trafficking.

He was released on bail in April but was placed under house arrest.

Hosseini said that while Masouminejad’s release does not mean that his case has been closed in Italy, “it is a positive step toward resolving the situation.”