Baghdad: The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has appealed to the authorities to release the young Iraqi man who burned a picture of His Eminence. The appeal reflects a noteworthy gesture from the spiritual leader’s office.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the appeal was made in an official letter from Ali al-Aqili, the head of the Grand Ayatollah’s representative office in New Baghdad, to the Central Investigation Court in Baghdad/al-Rusafa. The request underscores a desire for leniency and understanding in dealing with the incident, emphasizing a compassionate approach from the religious leadership.