Iran: Nationwide Campaign Launched to Free 17,000 Prisoners During Muharram

Iran: Nationwide Campaign Launched to Free 17,000 Prisoners During Muharram
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With the start of Muharram, a nationwide initiative has begun in Iran to assist in the release of 17,000 prisoners convicted of intentional crimes, Tehran Times reported. As of June 30, 187 prisoners—11 women and 176 men—have been freed. This campaign focuses on inmates jailed due to financial debts or inability to pay dues arising from accidents or other unintentional offenses, according to Mehr news agency.

Last year, during the lunar months of Muharram and Safar, benefactors helped release 96 female and 1,643 male prisoners, with total debts amounting to 40 trillion rials (approximately $45 million).

The provinces of Tehran, Fars, and Khorasan Razavi led in releases, freeing 1,088, 878, and 829 prisoners respectively.

Prisoner releases occur through three main methods: granting leave, providing loans repayable inside prison, and paying off debts to secure release.