Iran has released 140 people who were arrested during the protests which followed June's contested presidential election. The move follows a visit to Tehran's infamous Evin prison by an Iranian parliamentary committee which said certain human rights were being violated there.

The committee says about 200 demonstrators who organised the protests or were guilty of using weapons will remain in prison. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered another prison to be closed down entirely.

Both government moves are seen as gestures to the opposition, which is still fiercely critical of the harsh treatment meted out to the protesters. The authorities have, however, forbidden a ceremony planned for Thursday to commemorate the victims of the demonstrations.

A parliamentary spokesman has officially announced that 30 people died during the protests.

photo: Erin prison (flickr/misterarasmus)