In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned “tens of thousands” of prisoners, including people involved in recent anti-government protests, according to Iranian state news outlets. But rights advocates say the extensive list of exceptions means only a small number are likely to receive amnesty.

In related news, award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been released from prison on bail after he went on hunger strike protesting his detention. The 62-year-old was arrested in July for speaking up about another director, Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been imprisoned a few days earlier for criticizing police violence.