A UNIVERSITY student jailed in Iran has been unexpectedly freed after more than 18 months behind bars.

Ehsan Abdoh-Tabrizi, a PhD student at Durham University, was arrested in Tehran in January 2010, for “insulting the leader”, taking part in protests and “having links with foreign elements”.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison, but is believed to have been released from Evin prison on Saturday, August 27, and is thought to be staying with his family in Tehran.

Friend and fellow student Afshin Shahi said he had spoken to Mr Abdoh-Tabrizi, and added that everyone was thrilled at his release.

He may now return to Durham to complete his studies.

He said: “After months in the infamous Evin prison, Ehsan has been granted an amnesty and he seems very optimistic about the future.

“Ehsan told me that throughout his difficult days in prison, the thought of completing his PhD and the support others have shown him really kept him going.”

Michael Lavery, from the university, said staff were extremely heartened by reports of the release and were seeking verification.

He said the university had been in regular contact with Mr Abdoh-Tabrizi’s family since his arrest and would continue to keep students and staff informed.

He added: “Having already provided assurance to Ehsan, via his family, that the university will support him in continuing his studies at Durham, we will ensure that staff, including Ehsan’s academic colleagues at our School of Government and International Affairs, liaise with Ehsan at the earliest opportunity to explore a way forward to continue his PhD.”

Mr Abdoh-Tabrizi is believed to have spent 50 days in solitary confinement. Last year, the university wrote to Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini seeking information about his detention.

The Campaign to Free Ehsan has also been instrumental in fighting for his release.

Mr Abdoh-Tabrizi’s father, Hossein, a leading opposition figure in Iran, has always insisted his son was innocent, saying he was a history researcher, not an activist.