2,130 prisoners released on July 23 Revolution Anniversary occasion

CAIRO – 23 July 2020: A total of 2,130 prisoners were released on the occasion of July 23 Revolution anniversary, while 221 prisoners were granted a conditional release.

The High Commission for Pardon began examining the cases entitled to conditional release and choose the inmates to be pardoned accordingly.  

The release of the prisoners comes as part of the ministry’s reform plan and to keep up with the punitive execution from a comprehensive perspective, activating the executive role of the methods of releasing the convicts, who have been seen as qualified to start engaging in the society.

According to the constitution, the president has the right to issue pardons for convicted prisoners after consulting with the Cabinet. However, the perpetrators of certain crimes are not eligible for a pardon. These crimes comprise arms trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking of more than 10 kilograms, heroin trade regardless of the quantity, and revenge killing.

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr in May, a total of 5,532 were released as per a presidential pardon, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior's statement.