By Hastings Yobe

Lilongwe, July 6, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has pardoned 35 convicted prisoners as part of the 60th Independence Day anniversary celebrations in a gesture of mercy and compassion.

According to a Statement released by the Ministry of Homeland Security, the pardoned prisoners include those who have served half of their sentences, chronically ill, elderly, and female convicts who were accompanied by their children to prison.

The Prisoners were selected based on their good behaviour and demonstration of reform while serving their sentences, in line with the Guidelines for the Granting of Pardon to Convicted Prisoners.

In addition to the pardon, the President has granted a general amnesty to convicted prisoners serving determinate sentences, reducing their respective sentences by nine months.

This Move aims to decongest the prisons and demonstrates the President's commitment to justice and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Homeland Security hailed the President's decision as an act of mercy, reuniting the pardoned prisoners with their families and loved ones effective immediately.