Iran's judiciary announced Tuesday that over 2,100 convicts were pardoned or had their sentences reduced, but the list did not include any individuals involved in recent nationwide protests, according to Euronews. This announcement came ahead of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, a date often marked by similar acts of clemency. Meanwhile, in other international developments, the sentencing of Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison sparked international outcry, while Britain's Prime Minister faced calls to resign and Cuba grappled with a fuel shortage.
According to Euronews, the pardons and sentence reductions were approved by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The judiciary specifically stated that those "defendants and convicts from the recent riots" were excluded. This decision follows a pattern of such actions being taken on significant national dates.
The sentencing of Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old media magnate, to two decades in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious articles, drew criticism from governments and human rights groups, as reported by Fortune. His co-defendants received sentences ranging from six to ten years. The UK government called for Lai's release, as he is a British citizen. However, China's Foreign Ministry maintained that Lai is a Chinese citizen and urged respect for its sovereignty.
In Britain, the Prime Minister faced calls to resign after naming a friend of Jeffrey Epstein as ambassador to the U.S., as reported by NPR Politics. Police are also investigating whether the king's brother passed trade secrets to Epstein.
Cuba is experiencing a fuel shortage that has grounded flights, coinciding with peak tourist season, according to NPR Politics. The shortage is attributed to the tightening of oil supplies due to pressure from the Trump administration's blockade.
Also, the Israeli government passed measures to ease West Bank land purchases for settlers and strengthen control in the occupied territory, as reported by NPR Politics.
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