Large Number of Iranian Prisoners to Be Pardoned for Revolution Anniversary, Says Khamenei

A significant number of prisoners in Iran are set to receive pardons on Thursday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the revolution that ended the rule of the U.S.-backed Shah, as announced by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on his Twitter account.

Although the exact number of prisoners being pardoned has not been disclosed, Iranian media previously reported that around 50,000 inmates would benefit from this “Islamic clemency.”

The country is in the midst of official celebrations for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with major events planned, including a nationwide rally scheduled for the following Monday.

It remains uncertain if those being pardoned will include any of the numerous individuals that human rights organizations claim have been imprisoned for political reasons.

In recent years, Iran’s security forces have detained several dual nationals from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Canada, and France, on charges such as espionage and collaborating with hostile entities.

Khamenei holds the ultimate authority in state matters and has the power to issue pardons or reduce sentences for prisoners during significant occasions.