Iran has temporarily freed about 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.
According to an official spokesperson, "50% of those released are security-related prisoners", with additional precautionary measures in place in prisons to protect the health of the inmates.
It comes just days after UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran urged Tehran to free all political prisoners temporarily from its overcrowded jails.
So far, Iran recorded 853 COVID-19 deaths and a total of 14,991 infections.
It's unclear when the prisoners will return to jail.
Fire at Bangladesh’s Dhaka airport cargo terminal forces flight delays, diversions
Afghan, Pakistani negotiators in Doha for peace talks after fierce clashes
Britain's Prince Andrew gives up Duke of York title
Nobel laureate Chen Ning Yang dies at 103
In talks with Zelenskyy, Trump appears to press pause on fresh support
