In May 2004, the President granted a pardon to one prisoner and commuted the sentences of 31, 7 of whom had been convicted of serious crimes.

Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you.

And let them judge the people at all seasons and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

This approach made it possible to expedite the development of recommendations, relieved the considerable burden imposed by physical meetings and contributed to the keeping to set deadlines.

Rowhani s victory created the impression of a democratic process and relieved the popular anger that has accumulated during the last eight years, especially since the rigged presidential election in 2009.

He had petitioned the High Court against his detention and had his sentence reduced from three to two months. (Jerusalem Post, 13 May 1994)