Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned 588 inmates in various correctional facilities across the country.
According to the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimb, the released prisoners include 11 elderly and one mother with a baby.
On Sunday, Mwimb informed reporters in the capital Lusaka, that two death row inmates had their sentences commuted to life in prison, while one inmate’s life sentence had been reduced to 35 years.
The pardoning of the inmates by President Hichilema was in line with Article 97 of the country’s Constitution which confers authority on the president to pardon or substitute punishments imposed on convicted persons.
The minister said the pardoned inmates had demonstrated good conduct after undergoing rehabilitation processes that would enable them to integrate well into the society.
Many have applauded the president’s decision, particularly the human rights organizations.
Chioma Kalu
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