TEHRAN -- Iran’s Judiciary chief Gholamhussein Mohseni-Ejei on Sunday granted a 10-day furlough to the eligible Christian convicts serving prison terms in the country on the occasion of Christmas and ahead of the Gregorian New Year.
In a directive to judicial units and prosecutors across the country, Mohseni-Ejei said all Christian convicts who are currently in prison or on furlough should be granted the 10-day leave given the “positive and constructive” effects of the prisoners’ reunion with their families.
However, the furlough will not apply to those who are convicted of espionage and acting against national security as well as those whose sentences exceed five years, gang members, those who are convicted for organized crimes, armed robbery, kidnapping, making attempts to disrupt the country’s economic system and those sentenced to death.
According to the directive, prosecutors across the country are obliged to implement it and monitor its proper implementation.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Friday penned a letter congratulating Pope Francis on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ and the Gregorian New Year.
In his message, the Iranian president expressed “cordial congratulations” to the head of the Roman Catholic Church and all the Christians across the world on the jubilant birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, the Prophet of peace and kindness and the beginning of New Year.
He said the Jesus Christ’s birth is the “manifestation of God’s will and power” and added that the spiritual status of Saint Mary, the Prophet’s mother, shows the lofty position of women in divine religions.
On December 25, billions of Christians across the world commemorate the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, days ahead of the New Year on January 1, which marks the start of the Georgian calendar.