Khamenei Pardons Thousands of Prisoners for Major Muslim Holidays

Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has decided to pardon or reduce the sentences of 2,654 prisoners, including 30 foreigners and 53 individuals convicted of security-related offenses, according to the state news agency IRNA.

The pardons were granted in honor of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday, and Eid al-Ghadir, a key celebration for Shiite Muslims, as stated by Deputy Chief Justice Sadeq Rahimi. Rahimi mentioned that the list of inmates eligible for clemency was approved by Iran’s chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, before being presented to Khamenei.

These prisoners were convicted in various courts, including the public and Islamic Revolution courts, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces, and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.

Rahimi also noted that 29 of the prisoners had their death sentences commuted to prison terms.

Khamenei frequently grants clemency on special occasions, a power granted to him by Article 110 of Iran’s constitution.