Khamenei Pardons Nearly 3,000 Prisoners

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned or commuted the sentences of nearly 3,000 prisoners to mark the birthdays of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. This decision, which included the commutation of death sentences for 59 individuals, was based on a proposal from the head of the judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Of the total 2,887 pardons, 1,291 prisoners were released, while 1,596 received reduced sentences, including 40 foreigners and 140 women. The pardons are part of a routine practice by Khamenei, often occurring around Islamic holidays, and have been criticized in the past as a distraction from government repression following widespread protests in 2022. Notably, prominent politician Faezeh Hashemi was also released recently after being sentenced for her involvement in those protests. According to the Iranian Constitution, the Supreme Leader has the authority to grant such pardons upon judicial recommendations.