Iran Supreme leader Khamenei pardons thousands of prisoners on 1979 Islamic revolution anniversary
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners, includingthose arrested in recent protests against the government, state media reported."Prisoners not facing charges of spying for foreign agencies, having direct contact with foreign agents, committing intentional murder and injury, committing destruction and arson of state property, or not having a private plaintiff in their case will be pardoned," state media said.
The pardons were announced in honour of the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. Prisons and detention facilities in Iran already faceovercrowding after protests.
Iran has been rocked by protests ever since the custodial death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman of Kurdish origin who was detained in September by Iran's morality police over 'inappropriate' attire. The nationwide protests have also seen protesters demanding fall of the clerical regime in the country.
According to the HRANA activist news agency, about 20,000 people have been arrested for anti-government protests.
Also Read | Protest-hit Iran detains woman journalist, say reports
The news of the pardon has come on the same day as reports of a woman journalist being detained did rounds. Elnaz Mohammadi, the journalist with reformist news outlet Hammihan was detained, reported state media.
(With inputs from agencies)
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
‘Disputes could help ousted forces make comeback’: Bangladesh PM warns ahead of Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi PC
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Pradeep Rawat died at 74: Revisit the unforgettable roles that defined his career
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
'I believe in freedom of expression...': Shashi Tharoor clarifies on attending event where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address Gen Zs
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
'Can't rip open my chest but...': On Day 11 of student protest, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren breaks silence
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE