New batch of convicts, pre-trial detainees to be pardoned Thursday: Tariq al-Khouly

CAIRO – 16 June 2022: A new batch of convicts and pre-trial detention will be released in Egypt, per presidential pardon, on Thursday, announced Tariq Al-Khouly, a member of the House of Representatives for the Coordination of Youth of Parties and Politicians and a member of the Presidential Pardon Committee.

“Good tidings continue today with the release of a new group of detainees; convicted prisoners, in addition to a group of detainees in pretrial detention,” Al-Khouly said.

On June 2, a group of prisoners was released per presidential pardon. And a total of 986 inmates have been pardoned by President Sisi on Eid al-Fitr on May 4, 2022, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.

“The committee announced Thursday the release of 5 new detainees, and we are a major part of the national dialogue announced by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi,” he added.

Tariq Al-Khouly had previously said that “the political street feels a state of satisfaction as a result of the presidential pardon decisions during this period.”

“The presidential pardon committee aims to release all young people imprisoned in relation to political cases to participate again in the political community and integrate into it,” he said, adding: "the endeavor of the political leadership is to use the constitution to release imprisoned youths, give them an opportunity to work and participate in society, and expand the capacity of all political parties to act.”

A member of the Presidential Pardon Committee indicated that the committee set clear criteria, which is not to interfere in cases of joining terrorist organizations and not to expel anyone who practiced violence against the Egyptian people before.

The Presidential Pardon Committee works with the relevant authorities and several NGOs to pardon those who meet the conditions.

The Ministry of Interior said this comes as it follows the “modern sense” of punitive policy. Meanwhile, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi launched the national human rights strategy in September with vows to open the public space to be more and more inclusive.

Also, three journalists were released as per a presidential pardon, and 41 activists were released from pre-trial detention per a State Security Prosecution decree on April 24-15.