11.   However, government spokesmen have refused to say whether any religious or political dissidents will be freed.

12.   Nine jailed Iranian dissidents have been freed on bail recently, according to their friends and family members and to media reports Tuesday.

13.   Sasser noted that China in the past has freed dissidents on medical parole.

14.   Six jailed Iranian dissidents have been freed on bail over the past few days, their friends and family members said Tuesday.

15.   The independent newspaper al-Usbou did not say why the four dissidents have been freed now.

16.   In the past, China has often freed dissidents or other prisoners before US luminaries arrive, but this time -- despite high expectations -- little has happened.

17.   The articles, e-mailed to overseas Chinese organizations, also called on the communist government to free political dissidents, the center said.