Iran's Supreme Leader pardons 809 prisoners

Iran's Supreme Leader has declared an amnesty in connection with Islamic Republic Day.

The head of Iran's judiciary Sadiq Amoli Larijani on the occasion of Islamic Republic Day appealed to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with a letter in which he asked for pardon and reduce the sentences of 809 convicts of military, civil and revolutionary courts, the country’s Fars news agency reported March 31.

The supreme leader in turn, signed a relevant decree. Iran's Constitution grants him the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon the recommendation of the judiciary chief.

Amnesties and reduced prison terms are granted mainly on occasions marking religious and national festivals in Iran.

Iran annually celebrates Farvardin 12, which falls on April 1 in normal years and March 31 in leap years, as the anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic, referred to as the Islamic Republic Day.

/By Trend/