Iran grants 85,000 prisoners parole due to coronavirus crisis

Iranian prisoners will be released on parole ahead of the Persian New Year on 20 March and in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

Political detainees are among 85,000 prisoners to be released in time for Persian New Year celebrations, said Gholam Hossein Ismaili, spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary.[embed:render:embedded:node:19512]

"Among them are also those detained due to safety-related criminal offences," he told the Isna news agency.

The majority will be placed under constant surveillance during the two-week holiday via electronic foot tags, said Ismaili.

The spokesperson did not clarify whether prisoners with dual nationality will be among those given parole, though serious offenders will reportedly not be released.    (dpa)