Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Tuesday pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 2,000 people, the judiciary said, adding that none of those involved in the recent protests were on the list.
The decision comes ahead of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which, along with other important holidays in Iran, has traditionally brought similar pardons from the supreme leader over the years.
– The leader of the Islamic Revolution agreed to the request of the President of the Judiciary to pardon or reduce or mitigate the sentences of 2,108 convicts – it is stated on the Judiciary website Mizan Online.
However, the list does not include “defendants and convicts from the recent riots,” it said, citing Deputy Judiciary President Ali Mozaffari.
Protests against the rising cost of living erupted in Iran in late December before turning into nationwide anti-government demonstrations that peaked on January 8 and 9.
Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people, including members of the security forces and innocent bystanders, have died during the unrest, and has attributed the violence to “acts of terrorism”.
Iranian authorities said the protests began as peaceful demonstrations before turning into “foreign-instigated riots” that included killings and vandalism.
International organizations have estimated the number of victims to be much higher.
The American Press Agency for Human Rights (HRANA) states that it has confirmed 6,964 deaths, mostly of demonstrators, reports AFP.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
