Protesters among prisoners pardoned by Iran leader

BBC reported that Iran’s supreme leader has pardoned “tens of thousands” of prisoners, including many linked to anti-government protests.

Iran’s State media reports the pardons by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came with conditions.

The pardons come on the eve of the anniversary of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Demonstrations erupted last September following the death in custody of a woman held by Iran’s morality police.

Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab, or headscarf, “improperly” – in violation of Iran’s strict dress code for women.

Authorities have portrayed the protests – which are still continuing – as foreign-backed “riots” and at times have responded with lethal force.

Human rights groups say more than 500 demonstrators have been killed, including 70 minors, and around 20,000 have been arrested.