Jailed Iran activist Hoda Saber dies on hunger strike

Mr Saber had already served several jail terms since 2000

Jailed Iranian journalist and veteran activist Hoda Saber has died of a heart attack after going on hunger strike.

Mr Saber, who was in his 50s, began his strike on 2 June to protest about the death of fellow opposition figure Haleh Sahabi, during an incident at the funeral of her activist father.

Mr Saber was jailed after the disputed 2009 elections that saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected.

He had also served several prison terms since 2000.

The opposition website Kaleme.com said: "Security forces on Friday transferred him from Evin prison to Modarres hospital due to cardiac complication induced by his hunger strike.

"But the damage of the cardiac complication... was too severe."

Haleh Sahabi, 55, died on 1 June during a confrontation with security forces at the funeral of her father, Ezatollah Sahabi.

She had been allowed out of prison to attend the ceremony. There are reports that she was hit by security forces and died of a heart attack.

Iranian officials denied any clashes with security had taken place at his funeral.

Ezatollah Sahabi, a leading dissident, died of stroke on 30 May at the age of 81.