Leader Offers Clemency to Convicts

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei agreed on Friday to pardon or reduce the sentences of a number of convicts. The decision was made after a request from Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, the Leader’s official website reported. The move was a customary gesture to mark the recent birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (PBUH), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as the beginning of the new Iranian year on March 20.  The Constitution grants the Leader the right to pardon or ease the sentences of prisoners on the recommendation of the head of the judiciary, and pardoning of inmates on the occasion of some celebrations is a common practice in Iran.

The clemency, however, does not apply to all types of convicts, including those who have been found guilty of armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.