President pardons 78 prisoners |29 December 2016

President Danny Faure has pardoned 78 prisoners who have completed at least three-quarters of their sentence and have also exhibited good behaviour.

This is in exercise of his powers under Article 60 (1) of the Constitution, and having received the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon.

Three other prisoners have also been given conditional pardons.

In announcing his decision to pardon prisoners, President Faure confirmed that he had received a letter dated November 24 from His Holiness Pope Francis, in the context of the Catholic Year of Mercy, in which world leaders were invited to show forgiveness and mercy in dealing with those who had wronged themselves and society. 

The President also noted the appeal made by members of Sifco (Seychelles Inter-Faith Council) when he met them in October, for him to consider the exercise of his power of pardon.

Arrangements are being made for the release of the pardoned prisoners by December 31, 2016.