Khamenei pardons 2,108 prisoners in Iran, excluding protesters
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, issued a decree pardoning or reducing the sentences of 2,108 prisoners convicted in various cases, in response to a proposal submitted by the head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei. This decision coincides with preparations for the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, an annual occasion that the Iranian leadership has traditionally used to issue pardons for specific categories of prisoners.
Despite the scope of the pardon, the judiciary clarified on its official website, Mizan Online, that the new list does not include any individuals arrested or convicted for participating in the recent protests. The website quoted the deputy head of the judiciary, Ali Mozaffari, as explicitly confirming that "those accused and convicted in the recent riots" were completely excluded from this decision, reflecting a continued hardline approach to security and political cases compared to ordinary criminal offenses.
The implications of timing and political dimensions
The timing of this pardon carries important symbolic and political implications, as it coincides with the "Ten Days of Dawn," the ten days in which Iran celebrates the anniversary of Imam Khomeini's return to Tehran and the fall of the Shah's regime in 1979. This period is considered one of the most important occasions in the Iranian political calendar, as the authorities usually seek to alleviate internal tension through steps such as a general amnesty. However, the exclusion of protesters this year sends a clear message that the authorities still consider protests a red line that touches on national security, and not just legal offenses that can be pardoned in the traditional sense.
Background of the protests and the economic situation
These developments come against a complex domestic backdrop, as Iran has witnessed a wave of protests that began in late December, primarily fueled by deteriorating economic conditions and the high cost of living. These demands for improved living conditions quickly transformed into politically charged anti-government demonstrations that spread to several Iranian cities, culminating on January 8th and 9th.
In its official response to these events, the Iranian authorities adopted a narrative claiming that the protests had deviated from their peaceful course due to "external incitement," labeling them as acts of rioting and terrorism. Local reports indicated that the unrest resulted in significant casualties, with some official sources in Tehran acknowledging fatalities, including members of the security forces and bystanders who did not participate in the demonstrations. International human rights organizations, however, suggest that the number of victims and detainees may be much higher than officially reported, making this amnesty issue a focus of attention for international observers who routinely call for the release of prisoners of conscience.
