BRITISH-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been held in an Iranian prison since June after being accused of attempting to overthrow the government, has been released from solitary confinement.

Former Farnham resident and husband to Nazanin, Richard Ratcliffe, has been fighting endlessly for the release of his wife since she was first detained in April 2016, after visiting family in Iran.

Upon arrival at Tehran airport Nazanin was detained by authorities and her passport confiscated, for reasons unknown. The pair’s young daughter was also travelling with the 37-year-old charity worker and remains with grandparents in Iran.

Richard, who believes his family are being used as political pawns due to an alleged outstanding arms debt of £500 million between the UK and Iran, had some positive news at Christmas.

“Nazanin was allowed a family visit and a phone call to me on Christmas Day, to share with her what we were doing on Christmas morning.

“She had been allowed a surprise visit for the occasion and all her brothers and sisters had been allowed to see her. They were able to bring in cake and for Gabriella to blow out the candles.

“Secondly, Nazanin was told that weekend she would be moved out of solitary and into the general cells. She called to confirm this has happened. She is no longer alone.”

Nazanin now resides in the ward for women’s political prisoners – journalists, activists and so forth. Richard believes this is still a “gratuitous punishment” but is a step away from the isolation she has come from. An isolation which got so bad, she contemplated suicide.

“It’s hard to know what 2017 will bring. But a new year is always a chance for a fresh resolution. As Nazanin told me recently they cannot take away our dreams.”

For up to date news or to sign the free petition Nazanin see the website www.change.org/p/free-nazanin-ratcliffe.