Iran Pardons 22,000 People Who Participated In Anti-Government Protests: Report

Last month, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has pardoned “tens of thousands: of prisoners including some who were arrested during the protests in a deadly crackdown on dissent. 

Iran has pardoned 22,000 people who participated in anti-government protests. (Representational Image)

Source : Getty Images

Iranian judicial authorities have pardoned 22,000 people who had participated in anti-government protests, said judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Monday, reported state news agency IRNA. Last month, the state media reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has pardoned “tens of thousands: of prisoners including some who were arrested during the protests in a deadly crackdown on dissent. 

"So far 82,000 people have been pardoned, including 22,000 people who participated in (the) protests," Ejei said, without specifying over what period the pardons were granted or if or when the people had been charged.

As per state media the pardon granted by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was subject to conditions and would not apply to any of the numerous dual nationals held in Iran.

Those who were accused of "corruption on earth," which is a crime punishable by death and led to the execution of four protesters, would also not be forgiven, IRNA had reported. 

State media reported that it would not apply to those accused of "spying for foreign agencies" or "affiliating with groups hostile to the Islamic Republic."

After a young Iranian Kurdish woman was killed in the custody of Iran's morality police in September, protests took over the country. One of the most daring challenges to Iran's Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution saw participation from people from all walks of life.

Rights groups claim that the crackdown has resulted in over 500 deaths, including 70 minors. The Iranian judiciary claimed that at least four individuals have been hanged.

The pardon by the Supreme Leader came after Ejei wrote a letter to Khamenei requesting a pardon, stating: During recent events, the enemy's propaganda and indoctrination led to the wrongdoing of a number of people, particularly young people.

Since the hangings started, protests have slowed down significantly.

"Since the foreign enemies and anti-revolutionary currents' plans have been foiled, many of these youth now regret their actions," Ejei wrote.