TEHRAN The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has officially pardoned imprisoned Hamedan MP Hossein Loqmanian, following a request from the Judiciary Chief and Majlis Speaker for the Leader to put an end to the controversy that has arisen.

In his letter to Judiciary chief, the Leader thanked Ayatollah Shahroudi as well as Majlis Speaker Karrubi and Parliament members.

The dispute between the Majlis and the Judiciary was referred to the Leader once before, who recommended that both sides adhere to the Constitution and try to solve the problem with minimal commotion. MPs were protesting imprisonment of Loqmanian who the Majlis (Parliament) believed should be given immunity as an MP.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic states that any MP who commits an act believed to be a crime while carrying out his duty and defending constitutional rights of the people, should be provided with immunity from prosecution or imprisonment.

---- Karrubi Quits Majlis Sessions Chairmanship ------

Also, yesterday before the Leader issued the pardon, Majlis Speaker Mahdi Karrubi announced in an open Parliament session that he would not preside over Majlis sessions for as long as the issue remained unsettled. In announcing his decision, Karrubi also called on the Leader to find a solution to the deadlock.

------ Deputies Call On Judiciary Chief to Release Loqmanian ---

Following Karrubi's revelation, 40 Majlis deputies signed a petition sent to Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, which called for the Loqmanian's release. The petition noted that the Majlis has already wasted too much time and energy on the issue and that it has prompted certain comments regarding the Judiciary's actions against them, which are of serious concern.

They pointed out that detaining Loqmanian would not benefit the Majlis or the Judiciary given that the deputies should be focusing on adopting legislation to solve the problems of the country.

------ Shahroudi Appeals to Leader to Issue Pardon----

Despite unofficial reports claiming that Loqmanian had been given a chance to ask for pardon from the Leader and refused to do so, the Judiciary chief took the responsibility on his shoulders.

Shahroudi, in reply to the MPs' petition, sent a letter to the Leader asking him to pardon Loqmanian, in order to settle the dispute between the two government branches.

Loqmanian was arrested and sent to Tehran's Evin Prison in December to serve his 10-month sentence, which was upheld by an appeals court, after being convicted of insulting Judiciary officials.