UAE rulers pardon more than 3,000 prisoners ahead of National Day

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 1,530 prisoners in Abu Dhabi with the hope that these prisoners will make a fresh start and positively contribute to their families and communities.

UAE leaders, as a humanitarian gesture, pardon hundreds of inmates every year on occasions such as National Day, Ramadan and Eid to help reduce the suffering of prisoners’ families.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, ordered the release of 1,040 inmates from the emirates’ correctional facilities.

Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, said that Sheikh Mohammed’s order reflects his keenness to give the convicted inmates a chance to start a new life and alleviate their families’ hardship. He added the gesture also reflects one of the UAE’s key national values of tolerance.

Dubai Public Prosecution has started coordinating with Dubai Police to implement the order.

In Sharjah, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, ordered the release of 333 prisoners from punitive and correctional institutions in the emirates.

Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, appreciated the Ruler’s gesture and said the inmates met all conditions of pardon.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, pardoned 153 prisoners, who were selected based on good conduct and behaviour during detention and are from various nationalities.

Brigadier Mohammed bin Nayae Al Tunaiji, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Fujairah Police, hoped the pardoned prisoners will make full use of the chance that has been given to them.

In Ajman, 111 prisoners benefited from the decision of Ruler Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.

Umm Al Qaiwain Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla also extended the same benevolence, but the number of prisoners pardoned was not released.