Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu pardons 5,001 prisoners

Dar es Salaam,

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pardoned 5,001 prisoners who were serving various sentences in different correction facilities across the country.

Of these prisoners, 1,516 have been released after a quarter of their sentences were reduced in lieu of a standard one-third reduction under the provisions of the Prisons Act chapter 58.

Other inmates numbering 3,485 have had their sentences reduced by a quarter under section 49 (1) of the Prisons Act chapter 58.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Presidential Communications, Gerson Msigwa, the 3,485 prisoners whose sentences have been reduced will continue to serve the remaining part of their sentences in prison.

Through the statement, President Samia called on all released prisoners to make good use of the training they received while in prison and to join their fellow citizens in nation building while respecting and complying with national laws.

"I would also like to ask Tanzanians to use the 57th anniversary of the Union to reflect on the various efforts made in nation building and the role of each in continuing to build a strong nation," said the Head of State.

She also pledged to continue to nurture, protect and develop the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar for the benefit of Tanzanians on both sides.