Iranian Judicial Chief announces pardons for more than 22,000 anti-government protesters

Iranian Judicial Chief Gholem-Hossein Mohseni Monday announced that more than 82,000 people have been pardoned, including more than 22,000 people arrested after participating in anti-government protests. Mohseni made the announcement in an interview with the website of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The state-affiliated Islamic Republic News Agency detailed that this pardon was based on a recent order from the Supreme leader of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei. He shares that many people who participated in the riots have been granted “amnesty” while further noting these pardons do not affect those who are behind bars due to “complaints by private plaintiffs.”

The cause of the major anti-government protests came was the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman arrested and later killed by Iranian police for allegedly failing to cover her hair. Her death sparked backlash worldwide and ignited widespread protests and boycotts.

The Iranian government has since been accused of committing human rights abuses in its prisons. The EU recently imposed sanctions against state officials and entities worldwide due to their “abuse of the rights of and violence against women.” The sanctioned entities include Qarchak Prison in Iran.