Ghavami spent 151 days in the notorious Evin prison after she tried to watch Iran's International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League match against Italy in June of last year.

She was arrested following her protests outside of the Tehran Stadium after she was found guilty of "propagating against the ruling system" as women are banned in Iran from attending sporting events in the company of men in public stadiums.

The 26-year-old was freed on a £20,000 ($29,000/€27,400) bail in November following a series of hunger strikes and a petition signed by more than 770,000 people, and she has now been informed by the Iranian Government that they have "wiped out the rest of her sentence".

"As we were celebrating Iranian New year, Iranian Government wiped out the rest of my sister's sentence," her brother posted on the Change.org website.

"Ghoncheh will not have to spend another day, another hour in prison.

"This is amazing news and I wanted you to hear from me directly.

"Together we brought Ghoncheh home."

Ghoncheh Ghavami's brother Iman made the announcement that charges against her had been dropped on the Change.org petition page, signed by more than 770,000 people
©Getty Images



It is understood, however, that she will be ordered to remain in Iran for a period of one year, although she has been pardoned by the Court of Appeal in Iran.

"We welcome the news that Ghoncheh Ghavami has been pardoned by the Court of Appeal in Iran, although we are concerned that she is still subject to a travel ban," a British Foreign Office spokeswoman said.

"We are following the case closely and remain in touch with her family."

The case caused widespread anger across the world and human rights campaigners are now demanding the law graduate be compensated for her time in prison.

Iranian officials said in January they will allow foreign women to attend matches at this year's Asian Volleyball Championships, due to take place in Tehran from July 31 to August 8, although local females will remain banned.

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