TEHRAN – On Tuesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei agreed to pardon, commute or substitute the sentences of 715 eligible inmates, including those found guilty in public and Islamic Revolution courts, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.

The decision came in response to a request by Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani asking for clemency regarding eligible convicts on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi - the last Shia Imam - which fell on Wednesday, the Leader’s website reported.

The 15th day of the lunar calendar month of Sha’aban coincides with the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him).

SP/PA