Officials Take Action: Advocating for the Release of Involuntary Crime Prisoners
In an inspiring initiative, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei has contributed 500 million rials (approximately 555 dollars) to aid the release of prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes. Alongside him, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, has partnered with various benefactors to allocate a substantial 40 billion rials (around 44,000 dollars) specifically for the release of 14 female prisoners. This philanthropic effort exemplifies the commitment to justice and mercy during the holy month of Ramadan.
Each year, during Ramadan, officials and charitable individuals come together to organize events aimed at raising funds for the release of those incarcerated for unintentional offenses. This year, the Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has set aside 40 billion rials to assist in this noble cause, coinciding with the commencement of Ramadan on March 2nd. Notably, in March 2024, the Leader had previously earmarked 20 billion rials (approximately $22,000) for the same purpose.
The dedication to freeing prisoners is evident from recent statistics. Over the first nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 to December 20, 2024), a remarkable total of 7,706 prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes have been released. This figure includes:
- 7,282 male prisoners
- 424 female prisoners
According to the Mehr news agency, the provinces of Tehran, Fars, and Isfahan reported the highest numbers of prisoners in this category, with 2,570, 1,295, and 1,186 cases, respectively.
On National Mother’s Day, celebrated on December 22, 2024, an additional 1,000 female prisoners serving sentences for unintentional crimes were released nationwide. This day, which also marks the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh, the daughter of the holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH), highlights the importance of motherhood and compassion in Iranian culture.
Currently, there are over 600 women imprisoned for unintentional crimes, as reported by IRIB. Over the past three decades, benefactors have played a crucial role in releasing more than 170,000 prisoners who were convicted of such offenses across the country.
In celebration of National Father’s Day, which fell on January 14 this year, 603 prisoners of unintentional crimes were also released. This day aligns with the thirteenth day of the lunar calendar month of Rajab, commemorating the birthday of Imam Ali (AS), the first Shia Imam.
To further support the initiative, a nationwide campaign titled ‘Hello Dad’ was conducted from December 21 to January 19, 2024. During this campaign, one-third of the released prisoners of involuntary crimes—171 individuals—were from the provinces of Isfahan, Khorasan Razavi, and Fars, as reported by IRNA.
The total debt of the released prisoners surpassed 14 trillion rials, emphasizing the significant financial burden associated with unintentional crimes. As of January, there were more than 15,061 prisoners incarcerated for involuntary crimes, comprised of:
- 14,301 men
- 760 women
Once again, Tehran, Fars, and Isfahan provinces emerged as the regions with the highest number of prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes.
Efforts to free these individuals are carried out through three primary methods:
- Granting prisoners temporary leave
- Providing loans to be repaid within the prison
- Releasing convicts by covering their debts
The establishment of the Blood Money Organization in 1990 has been pivotal in facilitating the release of many prisoners who were imprisoned due to debts stemming from unintentional crimes. This organization continues to play a significant role in the justice system, providing hope and relief to those who have faced unfortunate circumstances.
Through these collaborative efforts, the Iranian government and society demonstrate a deep commitment to compassion and rehabilitation, ensuring that those who have made mistakes can re-enter society and rebuild their lives.
