Prisoners benefit in Ramadan clemency

Hundreds of prisoners have been released around the emirates as Rulers pardon convicts to mark Ramadan.

Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // Hundreds of prisoners have been released around the emirates as Rulers pardon convicts to mark Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has pardoned and ordered the release of 730 inmates in that emirate.

Dubai’s attorney general, Issam Al Humaidan, said prosecutors had begun the legal procedures to implement Sheikh Mohammed’s order, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Dubai Police.

The announcement followed pardons by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, who ordered the release of 1,010 inmates who have met good conduct criteria, to offer them a fresh start at life and to ease their families’ suffering.

Every year to mark Ramadan, the President and Rulers of the emirates pardon prisoners ahead of the holy month and order the settling of debts of those jailed for financial crimes.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, ordered the release of 247 prisoners and pledged to pay off their debts.

His action was complemented by the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, who issued directives to speed up the release of the pardoned inmates in coordination with the emirate’s law enforcement authorities.

The pardon has been hailed as a “window of hope” for the inmates and their families.

newsdesk@thenational.ae