Iran Commutes Jailed Businessman's Death Sentence

The Islamic Republic's judiciary announced on Tuesday that the death sentence for businessman Babak Zanjani was commuted to 20 years in prison. 

Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said that an appeal for amnesty by Zanjani was reviewed, and his death sentence was "commuted to a 20-year prison term after approval by the Supreme Leader."

This decision came after Zanjani reportedly returned around $2.1 billion in assets obtained through illegal oil sales.

Zanjani, 48, faced a death sentence in 2016 for charges including money laundering, forgery, and fraud that disrupted Iran's economy. 

According to the judiciary spokesman, Zanjani had the opportunity to seek amnesty or commutation if he returned the assets, compensated for damages, and expressed remorse.

The spokesman states that Zanjani cooperated with authorities while imprisoned, leading to the recovery of the funds.

Zanjani's arrest in 2013 coincided with a crackdown on alleged corruption during the previous administration. 

He was a prominent businessman with an estimated fortune of $14 billion.