Leader Funds Initiative to Release Prisoners During Ramadan: A Compassionate Gesture of Hope
In a significant act of compassion, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has designated 40 billion rials (approximately $44,000) to assist in the release of prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes. This initiative coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, which began on March 2nd. Each year during Ramadan, various officials and philanthropists gather to raise funds aimed at freeing those imprisoned for offenses that were not intentional.
In the previous year, specifically in March 2024, the Leader allocated 20 billion rials (about $22,000) to support the release of similar prisoners. This ongoing commitment highlights the importance of mercy and rehabilitation in the Iranian justice system.
Recent Trends in Prisoner Releases
During the first nine months of the current Iranian year (March 20 – December 20, 2024), a remarkable total of 7,706 prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes were released. This figure underscores the government’s efforts to address the plight of those who find themselves in prison due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Male prisoners: Out of those released, 7,282 were men.
- Female prisoners: There were 424 women among those freed.
According to a report from Mehr news agency, the provinces with the highest incidence of prisoners for involuntary crimes include:
- Tehran: 2,570 cases
- Fars: 1,295 cases
- Isfahan: 1,186 cases
Special Initiatives for Female Prisoners
On National Mother’s Day, celebrated on December 22 this year, a total of 1,000 female prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes were released across Iran. This occasion, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), emphasizes the role of women in society and the importance of their rehabilitation.
As reported by IRIB, there are currently over 600 women incarcerated for unintentional crimes, reflecting the need for continued support and intervention.
The Impact of Benefactor Support
Over the last three decades, generous benefactors in Iran have played a crucial role in releasing more than 170,000 prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes. This philanthropic effort demonstrates a collective commitment to mercy and justice.
In March 2023, notable leaders from various branches of the Iranian government contributed funds to further aid in the release of these prisoners. The late President Ebrahim Raisi, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf collectively donated a total of 8.6 billion rials (around $16,000) to support this noble cause, as reported by IRNA.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts to support the release of prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes not only reflect a commitment to justice but also highlight the compassion inherent in the Iranian culture, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. As these initiatives continue to unfold, the hope remains that more individuals will find their way back to their families and communities, fostering a spirit of forgiveness and rehabilitation across the nation.
