Ayatollah Ali Khan Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has pardoned “tens to thousands” of prisoners. This includes some protesters who were arrested during recent demonstrations. Khamenei made several conditions that would make the pardons look more like a publicity stunt.
After four brutal, public executions of protesters that forced the rebellion underground, authorities may feel much safer. They will likely wait for another chance to push their cause.
This was Zahedan, where Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman, was born. The revolt against the regime began here.
They aren’t giving up.
You see these massive crowds from #Zahedan? The #IranRevolution continues.#Zahedan is the city that made the biggest sacrifice for this revolution.
The highest number of death toll.Despite the danger of dying, brave people chant against Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/QtEMPc7480
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 3, 2023
Sanandaj protesters are not allowed to demonstrate.
The flame of #IranRevolution is alive and kicking in #Sanandaj.
Brave Kurdish people of this town have been at the forefront of #WomanLifeFreedom movement.
Today they came out again to chant in support of two arrested teachers.#MahsaAmini
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 3, 2023
Given the many exceptions to the pardon orders, not all of the protesters who were arrested during the demonstrations will be freed. It is not surprising that none of the many protesters sentenced to death won’t be released.
Reuters:
According to state media reports, however, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei approved the pardon. These conditions stated that the measure would not be applicable to any dual nationals currently held in Iran.
The state news agency IRNA stated that those accused of corruption on Earth – a capital offense brought against four protesters who have been executed – will not be pardoned.
State media reported that it would not apply to anyone charged with spying for foreign agencies or being associated with groups hostile to the Islamic Republic.
Khamenei was contacted by Gholamhossein Ejei Mohseni Mohseni, the head Judiciary. He asked that certain young people be pardoned.
“During recent events, a number of people, particularly young people, committed wrong actions or crimes as a consequence of the indoctrination, propaganda, and support of the enemy.”
Ejei wrote that many youths regret their actions after the plans of anti-revolutionary and foreign enemies were foiled.
Khamenei granted the pardons to honor the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.
According to state media, Sadeq Rahimi, deputy chief of the judiciary, said that “Naturally, people who don’t express regret for their actions and make a written commitment not to repeat those activities, won’t be pardoned.”
According to the Iran Human Rights Group, at least 100 protestors are currently in detention and could face a death sentence.
