TEHRAN: An Iranian appeals court has upheld the conviction of a former vice president on a charge of spreading propaganda against the ruling clerical establishment during the postelection turmoil.

The court also confirmed a one-year prison sentence for Hossein Marashi. A close relative said authorities took him into custody Thursday evening.

Marashi was a vice president in the government of pro-reform President Mohammad Khatami, who served from 1997 to 2005. Later, he was a spokesman for a liberal party called Kargozaran.

The relative spoke Friday on condition of anonymity for fear of government retribution for talking to a journalist about the case.

Wednesday's court ruling included a lifelong ban on political activity for Marashi.