Iran to pardon convicts for 40th revolution anniversary

By Muhammet Kursun</p> <p>TEHRAN (AA) – Iran’s top judge on Monday announced plans to grant a general amnesty for 50,000 convicts this month to mark the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.</p> <p>Sadeq Larijani, head of Iran’s judicial system, was quoted as saying by local media that his request for the amnesty had been approved Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.</p> <p>When asked if the amnesty would apply to “political prisoners”, Larijani said: “Unfortunately, there are those who would politicize the issue and say it would be better if the amnesty covered so-called ‘political convicts’ — but Iran doesn’t have any.”</p> <p>“Others say the amnesty should also cover critics [of government policy],” he added. “But it’s a lie to say anyone has been locked up for criticizing. The judiciary has never prosecuted anyone simply for making criticisms.” </p> <p>According to Iran’s constitution, the supreme leader has the right to grant amnesties for convicts on the occasion of national holidays and religious festivals.