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February 6, 2023

Iranian Supreme Leader Pardons Some Jailed Protesters as Filmmaker Jafar Panahi Released on Bail
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In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned "tens of
thousands" of prisoners, including people involved in recent
anti-government protests, according to Iranian state news outlets. But
rights advocates say the extensive list of exceptions means only a small
number are likely to receive amnesty.

In related news, award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been released
from prison on bail after he went on hunger strike protesting his
detention. The 62-year-old was arrested in July for speaking up about
another director, Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been imprisoned a few days
earlier for criticizing police violence.


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