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Haleh Esfandiari, Iranian dissident and academic, has had first-hand experience of just how brutal Iran's regime can be.

At 67 years of age she was held for four months at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, accused of trying to topple the Islamic establishment.

After last year's disputed elections, she believes that President Ahmedinajad's government has become paranoid but that there is no real leadership among the opposition.

Jonathan Charles asked Haleh Esfandiari if the seeds have been planted for a home grown velvet revolution in Iran.

You can watch the full interview on the BBC News Channel on Tuesday 16th February 2010 at 04:30 and 23:30 GMT, and on Wednesday 17th at 02:30 GMT.