Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a decree on Thursday, pardoning or commuting the jail sentences of 3,552 Iranian convicts on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). RNA - Ayatollah Khamenei agreed to a request by Iran's Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Rayeesi to pardon or reduce the sentences of 3,552 eligible inmates convicted by courts of common pleas, the Islamic Revolution tribunals, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.
The pardon comes on the advent of the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Prophet of Islam (PBUH) was born on the 17th day of the lunar calendar month of Rabi-ul-Awwal in 570 CE. This year, the day falls on Friday, November 15.
Article 110 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.
The Article does not apply to all types of convicts, specially those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the Islamic Republic, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.
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