Iran pardons 850 prisoners ahead of Khamenei funeral ceremonies

Iran has ordered the release of 850 prisoners convicted of minor offences ahead of the funeral ceremonies for the country's late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials said on July 1.

Seyed Asadollah Joulaei, head of Iran's Blood Money Organisation, said the decision followed a special meeting involving representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

According to Joulaei, the pardons include 520 prisoners jailed over financial debts and 330 others imprisoned in cases related to marriage contract obligations and alimony payments. He said the cases were reviewed from all 31 of Iran's provinces before the releases were approved.

The announcement comes days before Iran begins a series of national mourning ceremonies for Khamenei.

The ceremonies are due to begin in Tehran on July 3, with high-level delegations from at least 30 countries expected to attend, according to Iranian authorities.

Khamenei's body will lie in state at Tehran's Mosalla complex from July 4 to 5, allowing members of the public to pay their respects. A funeral procession through the capital is scheduled for July 6, after which the body will be transferred to the holy city of Qom for further ceremonies on July 7.

Iranian officials have said Khamenei will be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.

By Aghakazim Guliyev