Tunisia rights activist freed

A Tunisian human rights activist accused of defaming the judiciary has been freed after nearly seven weeks in jail.

There was no immediate word from the authorities on the reason for the release of Sihem Bensedrine, the spokeswoman for a Tunisia human rights group.

She was arrested in late June on her return from a trip to Europe where she had taken part in a television debate on human rights.

Ms Bensedrine - who's also been accused of spreading false information to disrupt public order - said she was surprised at being freed, but was in good health.

She expected to be called for trial later this year. Her arrest triggered an outcry from local and international human rights groups.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service