Leader Pardons Hundreds of Iranian Prisoners
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday pardoned or commuted prison terms of 715 convicts found guilty by various Iranian courts.
The pardon was granted at the request of the country’s Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS), the twelfth Shiite Imam, which falls on Wednesday.
Article 110 of the Constitution grants the Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.
The clemency, however, does not apply to all types of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.
Millions of Iranians across the country plan to hold ceremonies to mark the birth anniversary of the 12th and last Shiite Imam.
Shiites believe that Imam Mahdi is the prophesied redeemer, who will bring peace and justice to the world.
