Babak Zanjani Granted Clemency by Khamenei; Death Sentence Converted to 20 Years in Prison

According to the spokesperson for the judiciary, Babak Zanjani's death sentence has been annulled and converted to 20 years in prison with the approval of the head of the judiciary and the agreement of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Earlier, Voice of America reported on the possibility of clemency for this 'economic corruptor' sentenced to death. Based on this report, on February 19, 2024, the judiciary announced that Babak Zanjani, who was sentenced to death for 'embezzlement and financial corruption,' may be released after 10 years upon 'settling debts.' Asghar Jahangir, the judiciary spokesperson, stated in a press conference on Tuesday, April 30, that the ruling in Babak Zanjani's case was issued by Branch 38 of the Supreme Court in 2016, and it was anticipated that if he returned the assets and expressed remorse, he could be eligible for a reduction in punishment. This approach by the judiciary comes at a time when the Iranian judicial system executed the punishment of finger amputation for a prisoner accused of stealing five sheep. According to this report, Iranian judicial officials had announced that there was a 'possibility of clemency' for Babak Zanjani, a major economic corruption suspect sentenced to death in the early 2010s, 'if debts are settled.' Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, the head of the judiciary, stated on Monday, February 19 of last year, during a meeting of the Supreme Council of this institution, that Zanjani's assets abroad had been identified and transferred to Tehran, and 'these assets will cover his debts and damages,' adding, 'if we also include the previously returned assets, it will be more.' Babak Zanjani had previously claimed to have 'four billion dollars' in assets in five or six countries. The head of the judiciary mentioned that during this time, 'delegations' were sent to those countries to pursue Zanjani's claims, but they found no assets or funds from him. The possibility of Babak Zanjani's release is notable as he was sentenced to death on March 7, 2016, along with two other defendants in the case, while three others were sentenced to return assets to the National Iranian Oil Company and pay fines equivalent to one-fourth of the money laundered. The death sentence for Babak Zanjani was also communicated on April 4, 2016. Rumors of Babak Zanjani's release come at a time when some economic criminals affiliated with the Islamic Republic have previously been released from prison before completing their sentences, with the judiciary claiming that their release was based on 'legal standards.'