DODOMA, April 27 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has granted pardon to 4,887 prisoners from different correctional facilities national wide as the country celebrated the 61st anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
According to the statement issued by Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, 42 of the pardoned prisoners were released immediately, while 4,845 will remain in prison to serve reduced sentences.
President Samia granted an amnesty regarding the authority bestowed upon her under Article 45(1)(a) – (d) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
“The government anticipates that these prisoners will reintegrate into society and collaborate with their fellow citizens to contribute to the nation’s development and that they will refrain from recommitting offences to prevent being re-incarcerated,read part of the statement.
According to the statement, the pardon applies to prisoners serving two years or more sentences and the pardoned will receive a reduction of one-sixth of their current sentences, in addition to the standard reduction of one-third and must have been imprisoned before March 2, 2025.
It also encompasses terminally ill prisoners in critical condition, elderly inmates aged 70 and above, pregnant women who were imprisoned while expecting and prisoners with severe physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to work.
Others include inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, who will have their sentences changed to 30 years and will not receive the onethird reduction.
Furthermore, all prisoners whose life sentences were reduced to 30 years from the date of sentencing will not be eligible for a one-half reduction and must have served at least five years since their sentencing.
Last year, during the 63rd celebration of Independence, the Head of State pardoned 1,548 prisoners.
Every year on April 26, Tanzanians commemorate the significant Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Yesterday, the political merger clocked 61 years.
It has been customary, as part of celebrations, for the President to grant clemency to some prisoners. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
