Over 600 Inmates Set Free in Heartwarming Father’s Day Gesture
On January 14, 2024, Iran celebrated National Father’s Day by releasing a significant number of prisoners involved in unintentional crimes. This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at supporting those who have faced the consequences of unfortunate circumstances. The event highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to provide second chances to individuals caught in difficult situations.
National Father’s Day in Iran is observed on the thirteenth day of Rajab, marking the birthday of Imam Ali (AS), the first Shia Imam. This year, a total of 603 prisoners were granted freedom as part of this national celebration. The campaign, titled ‘Hello Dad’, runs from December 21 to January 19, promoting awareness and support for prisoners of unintentional crimes.
- Release Breakdown: Of the released prisoners, 171 individuals came from the provinces of Isfahan, Khorasan Razavi, and Fars.
- Debt Statistics: The total debt owed by these released prisoners exceeded 14 trillion rials (approximately $20 million).
- Prison Population: Currently, Iran houses over 15,061 prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes, including 14,301 men and 760 women.
- Regional Stats: Tehran, Fars, and Isfahan provinces report the highest numbers of such prisoners, with counts of 2,570, 1,295, and 1,186, respectively.
Looking back, during the first nine months of the current Iranian year (March 20 – December 20, 2024), a total of 7,706 prisoners of unintentional crimes were released. Among these, 7,282 were male and 424 were female, as reported by the Mehr news agency. Notably, on National Mother’s Day, celebrated on December 22, 2024, an additional 1,000 female prisoners were released, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
In the past three decades, generous benefactors have facilitated the release of over 170,000 prisoners involved in unintentional crimes throughout Iran. This enduring tradition underscores the community’s commitment to rehabilitation and support for those who have erred.
Governmental Support and Initiatives
In March 2023, the leaders of Iran’s three branches of government took action to assist in the release of these prisoners by donating funds. Late President Ebrahim Raisi, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf collectively allocated 8.6 billion rials (around $16,000) to support this cause, according to IRNA.
During the holy month of Ramadan, it has become a customary practice for benefactors to gather and raise funds specifically aimed at releasing prisoners of unintentional crimes. Additionally, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, previously designated 15 billion rials (approximately $27.7) for this purpose.
Asadollah Joulaei, the head of the Blood Money Organization, reported on March 26, 2023, that 6,875 prisoners of unintentional crimes had been released over the preceding year. The organization has played a pivotal role in facilitating these releases through various means:
- Granting Leave: Some prisoners are granted temporary leave.
- Providing Loans: Loans are offered to certain inmates to be repaid while still incarcerated.
- Debt Payment Assistance: The organization helps pay off debts to secure the release of unintentional convicts.
Established in 1990, the Blood Money Organization has successfully liberated more than 160,000 prisoners burdened with debts. On March 6, 2023, Mohseni-Ejei announced that a substantial number of prisoners had received pardons, with over 80,000 individuals granted amnesty due to an order from Ayatollah Khamenei. This initiative aimed to alleviate the plight of those detained during recent unrest in the nation.
Furthermore, the judiciary chief indicated that the number of pardon cases may approach 90,000, showcasing the government’s commitment to justice and rehabilitation. This ongoing effort reflects a compassionate approach towards those who have made mistakes, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and second chances in society.
In conclusion, the release of prisoners on National Father’s Day represents a significant step in Iran’s journey towards compassion and rehabilitation. The ‘Hello Dad’ campaign, alongside government and community support, plays a crucial role in helping individuals return to their families and rebuild their lives.
