The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. July 29, 2009 Following Global Protests, Iran Frees 140 Prisoners, Closes Jail ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Iranian government has freed around 140 prisoners swept up in the recent crackdown on opposition members and protesters following last month’s disputed national elections. Iran says another 150 prisoners remain at the jail, but the number could be higher. Prisoners have come forward with allegations of widespread torture at the jail. Iran, meanwhile, says it’s shut down the Kahrizak jail that’s been notorious for the abuse of prisoners. The moves follow days of worldwide protests held to call for the prisoners’ freedom. .