Iran to pardon convicts for 40th revolution anniversary

By Muhammet Kursun

TEHRAN

Iran’s top judge on Monday announced plans to grant a general amnesty for 50,000 convicts this month to mark the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Sadeq Larijani, head of Iran’s judicial system, was quoted as saying by local media that his request for the amnesty had been approved Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.

When asked if the amnesty would apply to “political prisoners”, Larijani said: “Unfortunately, there are those who would politicize the issue and say it would be better if the amnesty covered so-called ‘political convicts’ -- but Iran doesn’t have any.”

“Others say the amnesty should also cover critics [of government policy],” he added. “But it’s a lie to say anyone has been locked up for criticizing. The judiciary has never prosecuted anyone simply for making criticisms.”

According to Iran’s constitution, the supreme leader has the right to grant amnesties for convicts on the occasion of national holidays and religious festivals.