Reports: Iran Supreme Leader Pardons 100 'Security' Prisoners

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Iranian reports say Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered the release of 100 prisoners convicted of what are described as "security offenses."

The reports say some of those being released were among people who were detained during the unrest that erupted over the disputed 2009 reelection of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

Tehran's Prosecutor-General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying the detainees were pardoned "after they repented."

The announced release comes near the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and as Iranian politicians are reportedly starting to prepare for parliamentary elections due next March.

compiled from agency reports