Egypt's Interior Ministry: 1,686 inmates pardoned on occasion of Ramadan

CAIRO - 20 April 2020: A total of 1,686 prisoners were pardoned, per a presidential decree on pardoning some prisoners on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan., the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

 

 

The step is part of the ministry's efforts to implement a modern concept of penal policy, provide inmates with all means of welfare and apply the procedures set for releasing rehabilitated convicts.

 

 

Presidential pardons are customary to national and religious occasions. According to article 155 of the constitution, the president is allowed to issue pardons only after a final ruling is issued.

However, the perpetrators of certain crimes are not eligible for pardon. These crimes comprise arms trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking of more than 10 kilograms, “heroin” trade regardless of the quantity, and revenge killing.

Thousands of prisoners have been released over the past years as per a presidential pardon.