Iran Frees 850 Prisoners During Khamenei Funeral

Iranian authorities released 850 convicted individuals jailed for “unintentional crimes” during the official mourning and farewell ceremonies held for deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, news agency ISNA reported on July 1, 2026.

Crowds gather in Tehran streets during 40-day mourning period for Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei funeral — People fill the streets of Tehran during the 40th-day mourning commemoration for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ahead of his state funeral ceremonies scheduled from July 4–9, 2026. (Archive photo — AP Photo / Vahid Salemi)

Iran’s government freed 850 prisoners during farewell ceremonies for its slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The release covers those convicted of “unintentional crimes,” according to Iran’s state-affiliated news agency ISNA.

“As a special measure in honor of the blood of the martyred Imam, 520 financial prisoners are released from captivity.” The statement also noted that “330 individuals convicted in dowry and alimony cases are freed.” It added: “Simultaneously with the burial of the late Supreme Leader, conditions have been created for these people most of whom have families to return to the warm embrace of their loved ones.”

According to ISNA, the 850 released prisoners come from all 31 provinces across Iran. All faced charges categorized as “unintentional crimes” under Iranian law.

Iran’s authorities previously announced the farewell and burial schedule for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies run from July 4 to 9. Tehran hosts the farewell ceremony and funeral procession from July 4 to 6. The procession then moves to Qom on July 7. The burial itself takes place in Mashhad on July 9.

Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the funeral organizing committee, clarified further details. He confirmed the mourning rituals will also extend to Iraq. Khamenei’s body and those of his family members will travel to Iraq on July 8. Mourning ceremonies will take place in Karbala and Najaf cities considered sacred to Shia Muslims worldwide.

Khamenei died on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. Ongoing strikes throughout March prevented his burial from taking place on schedule. Authorities then postponed the ceremonies, citing the need to properly prepare the required infrastructure. His final resting place will be in his hometown of Mashhad.