By Linda Kwanjana
President Lazarus Chakwera has with immediate effect pardoned a total of 2,298 prisoners as part of the 59th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Section 89 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi gives powers to the president to pardon prisoners.
In a statement signed by Secretary for Homeland Security Oliver Kumbambe dated 5th July 2023, the pardoned prisoners are those who have served half of their sentences, the elderly, the chronically ill and female convicts who were accompanied by their children to prison.
“The prisoners who have been pardoned are those that have met the requirements of the guidelines for the granting of pardon to convicted prisoners and have demonstrated excellent behavioral reform while serving their sentences,” reads the statement.
It adds: “The pardon of 2,298 convinced prisoners by his excellency the state president is an act of mercy during the 59th Independent Anniversary celebrations.”
Chakwera has shown true statesmanship touching vulnerable people.
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