The clemency was granted on Monday upon the request of Judiciary Chief Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi on the occasion of two Muslim festivals, namely of Eid al-Adha (Eid-e Qorban in Iran) and Eid al-Ghadeer, the Leader's website reported.
The proposal was approved by Ayatollah Khamenei in compliance with Article 11 of Iran’s Constitution, which grants the Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon the recommendation of the judiciary chief.
The pardoned inmates had their cases investigated by relevant commissions and were identified as meeting the necessary conditions, Financial Tribune reported.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the day when Prophet Abraham (PBUH) received the divine command to sacrifice his son but upon witnessing his true devotion, he was instructed by God to offer an animal instead.
Eid al-Ghadir is a festive day observed by Shia Muslims to commemorate the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's (PUBH) public proclamation of Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor.