Release of Tehran’s longest-serving female prisoner; wrestlers help secure freedom for eight inmates

A session addressing the cases and concerns of inmates was held via videoconference, attended by Ali Al-Qasi, the head of the Tehran Provincial Judiciary, along with national wrestling team members and champions.

During the meeting, the cases of five female inmates in need of judicial assistance were reviewed. Thanks to the support of the wrestlers, artists, athletes, and benefactors, arrangements were made for the release of several prisoners.

Release of a female athlete

Among the reviewed cases was that of a female swimming coach who had been imprisoned since December 2023 over a guarantee check. Following efforts by benefactors visiting the prison—under directives from the head of Tehran’s Judiciary—her debt was settled, and an order for her immediate release was issued.

Tehran’s longest-serving female inmate freed after 19 years

Also, during the meeting, Tehran’s longest-serving female inmate, imprisoned since 2006, met electronically with the head of the Tehran Judiciary. It was revealed that following her mother’s death from COVID-19 in 2020, she had no visitors.

After an earlier prison visit in 2024, Al-Qasi had ordered the identification of the complainants in her case. Despite difficulties—some complainants had passed away—the judiciary eventually identified all parties. Out of her 24.72 billion rials debt,

• 10 billion rials were paid by artists and athletes acting as ambassadors of peace,
• 10 billion rials by business benefactors,
• and the remaining 4.72 billion rials from other sources.

Following the settlement, she was released after 19 years in prison.

Speaking to reporters, Ali Al-Qasi announced that more than 1,200 inmates have been released since the beginning of the year through charitable support. He added that 35 more prisoners will be released this week, and preparations are underway for the release of 215 additional inmates with assistance from the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Decree Headquarters.

At the end of the session, members of Iran’s national wrestling team pledged to secure the release of eight prisoners in honor of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (AS), the eighth Imam of the Shia faith.