There must be freedom of expression in terms of newspapers and other mass media.

There must be freedom of expression in terms of newspapers and other mass media. All the various groups of the society such as workers, farmers, professionals, etc. must be provided with their freedoms. Freedom and dignity of women must also be secured within the framework of Islamic and human rights. In this respect Allah the Almighty has stated in the Qur'an: " . . . there is no compulsion in religion . . ."79 and " . . .

He (the Messenger of Allah - Muhammad) releases them (the people) from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them . . ."80 Furthermore Imam Ali (A) is quoted as saying: "Do not be a slave to others when Allah has created you free." 3. Non-violence should be the general policy for the government's home and foreign affairs as Allah the Almighty has stated: "O believers enter into peace entirely"81. The holy Qur'an: Consultation [^42]: 38.

The holy Qur'an: the Family of 'Emraan [^3]: 159. 79The holy Qur'an: the Heifer [^2]: 256. 80The holy Qur'an: the Heights [^7]: 157. 81The holy Qur'an: the Heifer [^2]: 208. This is a fundamental principle and any practice to the contrary is exceptional. Human rights must be respected with extreme precision as prescribed by the religion of Islam, which is superior to any human right convention practiced in many countries of the world today.

(There is) absolutely no death penalty except if the (leadership) council of religious authorities decrees otherwise (in a specific case). Concerning a particular category of crime or a specific case, if, due to any particular doubt or uncertainty, there was any difference between (the inference and deduction of the relevant rulings of) the members of the council then "punishments are waived by doubts"82.

Also the number of prisoners must be reduced to an absolute minimum, even to a level lower than that internationally accepted today. There can be no torture under any circumstances and absolutely no confiscation of wealth and property. As for past deeds, the principle of "(Allah) forgives what is past"83 must be adhered to, just as the Greatest Messenger (P) pardoned the people of Makkah: "Go! For you are at liberty." as well as pardoning many others.

Amir_ol_Mu'meneen (P) also pardoned many people on various occasions. It is evident from reports from Imam Ridha (P) that the application of the hadeeth of "Waive" to Muslims has a higher priority than to others.