Leader Pardons or Reduces Sentences for Prisoners
TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has pardoned or commuted the sentences of a number of prisoners ahead of the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).
The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows a request from Iran’s Judiciary chief Gholamhussein Mohseni-Ejei to grant clemency to inmates eligible for parole or sentence reduction.
The pardons apply to prisoners convicted by public and Islamic Revolution courts, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces, and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.
According to the Judiciary, eligible prisoners must have had their final verdicts pronounced no later than September 10, with at least five years elapsed since sentencing. Sentences must not have been carried out, and individuals must not have acted against Iran’s national security or unity.
Prisoners suffering from severe or incurable illnesses confirmed by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization are also eligible for pardon.
The clemency coincides with religious celebrations marking the birthdays of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ja’far Sadiq, the sixth Shia Imam.
Article 110 of Iran’s Constitution grants the Leader the authority to pardon or reduce sentences upon recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.
The pardon excludes prisoners convicted of armed struggle against the state, organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery, and embezzlement.