"Mirdomadi's release happens at almost the same time they slap a ban on the Islamic Iran Participation Front, so you get almost a carrot-and-stick here, which is: all right, we will let Mirdomadi out temporarily, at the same time this organization that he heads up is put beyond the pale,” said Lucas. “So, if they behave themselves, then a temporary release might be coming, or they might have to have to have set up personal bail conditions."

Lucas says he does not think the Iranian government strategy is going to work in the long term:

"The regime is basically trying to break this movement, but they are trying to break it at the same time not just simply by complete oppression, but by giving just a little bit, in exchange for silence and concessions,” Lucas adds. “This is a long-term game, and the government could not land a knock-out blow on these folks. Now, they many be trying to win a battle of attrition, but I do not see them doing it."

Ten opposition demonstrators, who were accused of being enemies of God, were recently given death sentences for participating in anti-government demonstrations in December. Al-Arabiya TV reports another young demonstrator was sentenced to death Wednesday.