Free Hoder

You may have heard by now that Hoder (Hossein Derakhshan), the “Godfather of the Iranian blogosphere,” has been arrested after returning to Tehran (he holds Canadian citizenship). The story is being told elsewhere, including by me at the Huffington Post. There is a list of media resources at the “Free Hossein Derakhshan” Facebook group, which is open to all.

Although Hoder’s views are controversial to many, his arrest is an absolute abomination. He was arrested in Tehran on suspicion that he is a spy for Israel. Hoder visited Israel in 2006, purportedly on a friendship blogging mission of sorts, and to break taboos within the Iranian and Israeli blogospheres. Whether you disagree with his mission or not, he is not a criminal.

You can also follow @freehoder on Twitter.