President Chakwera Pardons 21 Prisoners

As part of this year’s Easter holiday celebrations, President Lazarus Chakwera has granted pardons to 21 convicted prisoners from various correctional facilities.

This is contained in a statement signed by Secretary for Homeland Security, Steven Kayuni stating that the pardon includes individuals who have served half of their sentences, those who are chronically ill, the elderly, and women accompanied by their children in prison.

“The pardon is in accordance with the powers vested in him under section 89(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and section 111 of the Prisons Act,” reads part of the statement.

In addition, to promote clemency during this season and to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, Chakwera has also issued a General Amnesty, which reduces the sentences of convicted prisoners serving determinate sentences by six months.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) has urged community members to welcome newly pardoned prisoners.

CHREAA Executive Director Victor Mhango says there is a significant need to build mutual relationships with community members.

However, Mhango has called on the freed prisoners to avoid committing crimes in their localities.