President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has pardoned 5,001 prisoners serving sentences in various correctional facilities throughout the country.
1,516 of these inmates have been released after a quarter of their sentences were reduced instead of the standard one-third reduction under the provisions of Chapter 58 of the Prisons Act.
According to TheEastAfrican, other inmates numbering 3,485 have had their sentences reduced by a quarter under section 49 (1) of the Prisons Act chapter 58.
The 3,485 prisoners whose sentences have been reduced will continue to serve the remainder of their sentences in prison, according to a statement released by the Director of Presidential Communications, Gerson Msigwa.
President Samia issued a statement in which he urged all released prisoners to put their prison training to good use and join their fellow citizens in nation-building efforts while abiding by national laws.
“I would also like to ask Tanzanians to use the 57th anniversary of the Union to reflect on the various efforts made in nation building and the role of each in continuing to build a strong nation,” said the Head of State.
She also promised to protect, develop, and nurture the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar for the benefit of Tanzanians on both sides.
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