In Pics: Sisi pardons 2,975 prisoners in celebration of Police Day

CAIRO - 25 January 2020: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi issued a decree on Saturday pardoning a number of 2975 prisoners and other 498 on parole on the occasion of National Police Day celebration and the 68th anniversary of the heroic epic of the Ismailia battle.

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 pardon. These crimes comprise arms trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking of more than 10 kilograms, “heroin” trade regardless of the quantity, and revenge killing. The decree was published in the official gazette.

Former President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak issued a decision to consider the day an official holiday ‘Police Day’ in February 2009, in appreciation to police efforts, and recognizing their sacrifices.

It also comes to coincide with the January 25 Revolution that took to the streets in 2011, demanding the overthrow of Mubarak’s regime in a series of mass protests that broke out in several Arab countries in what was called then “Arab Spring Revolutions.”