Iranian reformer arrested

A leading Iranian reformist cleric has been arrested shortly after his return to Tehran from France.

The cleric, Hassan Youssefi Eshkevari, faces charges of acting against national security, spreading propaganda and insulting Islamic values.

Mr Eshkevari took part in a controversial seminar in Germany in April at which he said that Iranian women should be free to choose whether to wear Islamic dress.

He was warmly welcomed at Tehran airport yesterday Friday by his supporters, including pro-reform members of Iran's parliament.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service