Final answer:
The provided information does not specify the number of political prisoners released in Iran after the Shah was overthrown. It does, however, give details on the 52 American hostages held at the U.S. embassy who were released on January 20, 1981.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question refers to the events that took place in Iran after the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was deposed. While the question asks about the number of political prisoners released, the provided information primarily discusses the American embassy hostage situation and the broader context of the Iranian Revolution. The references mention the release of the American hostages, which numbered 52, on January 20, 1981, coinciding with President Reagan's inauguration. Although this does not directly answer the question regarding political prisoners released by Iran after the Shah's departure, it may be inferred that the Iranian Revolution led to significant political changes, which could have included the release or exoneration of political prisoners. However, the specific number of political prisoners released is not stated in the provided information.Conclusion Although the exact number of political prisoners released after the Shah stepped down is not given in the excerpts, the overthrow of the Shah led to an Islamic Republic where there might have been changes to the status of those previously imprisoned under the old regime. The excerpts focus on the 52 American hostages who were held at the US embassy and their eventual release, as well as broader political and cultural shifts in Iran post-revolution.