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U.N. encourages Iran to build on recent release of political activists

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The United Nations' human rights commissioner says he encourages the Iranian government to build on its recent release of activists held in jail.

The new government of Iran released 12 political prisoners this week, including human rights lawyer Nasrim Sotoudeh, internationally-recognized activist and 2012 Sakarahov Prize for Freedom of Thought winner.

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"We urge the government (of Iran) to build on this positive step by creating space for human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists by allowing them to exercise their professions without harassment," said Rupert Colville, spokesman for U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pilley, in a statement.

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