392 prisoners released per presidential and conditional pardon

CAIRO – 26 March 2020: The Ministry of Interior's Prison Sector released on Friday 392 prisoners upon Presidential Pardon on the occasion of Police Day and the 68th anniversary of the epic Ismailia battle.

The High Commission for Pardon began examining the cases entitled to conditional release, and it selected 285 inmates to be released, while 107 were pardoned.

"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," the ministry stated.

On January 25, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi issued a decree pardoning a number of 2975 prisoners and other 498 on parole on the occasion of the National Police Day celebration and the 68th anniversary of the epic 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 the efforts of the police forces, and recognizing their sacrifices.

It also comes to coincide with the January 25 Revolution that broke out in 2011, demanding the overthrow of Mubarak’s regime.