New Delhi: After a deadly state crackdown helped quell the nationwide unrest, Iran's supreme leader has pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners, including some who were arrested during recent anti-government protests, according to state news agency IRNA on Sunday. However, state media reports stated that 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.


According to the state news agency IRNA, 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.


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.


The activist news agency HRANA said that around 20,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which the authorities say were started by Iran's enemies abroad.


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.


Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of the judiciary, 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.


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


To commemorate the anniversary of the Islamic revolution in 1979, Khamenei granted pardons.


It would not apply to those "facing charges of spying for foreign agencies, having direct contact with foreign agents, committing intentional murder and injury, (and) committing destruction and arson of state property".


State media reported that deputy judiciary chief Sadeq Rahimi stated, "Naturally, those who do not express regret for their activities and give a written commitment for not repeating those activities, will not be pardoned."


This week, the Iran Human Rights Group, based in Norway, stated that at least one hundred detained protesters had the potential to die.


"Sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran" have been criticised by Amnesty International.