Iran's supreme leader has pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners, including many linked to anti-government protests.
State media reports the pardons by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came with conditions.
The pardons come on the eve of the anniversary of the Islamic revolution in 1979.
Demonstrations erupted last September following the death in custody of a woman held by Iran's morality police.
Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab, or headscarf, "improperly" - in violation of Iran's strict dress code for women.
Authorities have portrayed the protests - which are still continuing - as foreign-backed "riots" and at times have responded with lethal force.
Human rights groups say more than 500 demonstrators have been killed, including 70 minors, and around 20,000 have been arrested.
Protests around the country have slowed considerably since the first hangings began.
Iran's state media says Ayatollah Khamenei's latest pardons came after a letter from the head of the judiciary framed many of those detained as young people who'd been led astray by foreign influence and propaganda.
The letter claims that a number of protesters had expressed regret and asked for forgiveness.
But those charged with more serious offences - such as spying for foreign agents, murder or destruction of state property - will not be pardoned.
The measure will also not extend to any dual nationals currently being detained.
Under Article 110 of the Iranian constitution, the country's supreme leader has the authority to issue pardons at the recommendation of the judiciary.
Sadeq Rahimi, the deputy judiciary chief, explained that those inmates who are qualified to be pardoned must pledge in writing that they regret what they have done otherwise, they will not be freed.
According to a report by the judiciary-affiliated news agency, Mizan, Mr Rahimi said that "for the first time ever" defendants who have not received any final verdict will be also pardoned.
Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights estimates that at least 100 people in detention are facing death sentences. It says that all defendants have been "deprived of the right to access their own lawyer, due process and fair trials".
Four have already been executed for crimes connected to the protests. In January two men were hanged for killing a member of Iran's security forces.
The pair launched an appeal before their deaths, saying they had been tortured.
Latest Stories
-
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
18 mins -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
27 mins -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
31 mins -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
41 mins -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
1 hour -
Mahama promises construction of stadia in all 16 regions if elected
1 hour -
Dampare has transformed Police training school – Bawumia
2 hours -
America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
2 hours -
NAPO urges Ghanaians to support NPP’s vision for national development
2 hours -
About 95% of PWDs in Obuasi have source of livelihood – MCE
2 hours -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
2 hours -
Election 2024: Roman Fada selected as flagbearer for Ghana Freedom Party
2 hours -
Bawumia to launch Ghana’s credit scoring system on Nov. 7
2 hours -
Alan to combat galamsey with strategic youth-centred business model
2 hours -
Agona Swedru chiefs commit to ending child marriage within their jurisdiction
3 hours