Dutch human rights activist Abdullah Al-Mansouri, jailed for 30 years by an Iranian court for terrorism in 2009, has been released from prison and is now back in the Netherlands.

Born in Iran, Al-Mansouri came to the Netherlands as a refugee in 1988 and was an active member of the human rights organisation Amnesty International.

He was arrested while on a visit to Syria in May 2006 and then extradited to Iran to face terrorism charges.

Difficult period

Dutch foreign minister Frans Timmermans welcomed news of his release. Family and friends can now ‘close this difficult period,’ Timmermans said.

Amnesty International director Eduard Nazarski said the case shows how important it is to campaign on behalf of people who have been jailed after an unfair trial.

‘Our demonstrations and wakes, in both The Hague and in Maastricht where he lived, have ensured Mansouri is not forgotten,’ Nazarski said.