President Hichilema pardons 759 inmates, as Zambian correctional centres hold 28,451 prisoners

President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned 759 inmates as part of Christmas Day celebrations, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, announced.

The pardoned group includes 712 ordinary inmates, 12 senior inmates, four convicted females with circumstantial children, 14 foreign nationals, and 17 cases involving commutations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mwiimbu detailed the commutations, which included two death sentences reduced to life imprisonment, seven life sentences commuted to 40 years.

Six long-term sentences reduced to 25 years, one long-term sentence commuted to 30 years and one life sentence reduced to 25 years.

This act of clemency, Mwiimbu noted, was in line with Article 97 of the Constitution, which grants the President the authority to pardon or substitute severe punishments for convicted individuals.

Of the pardoned inmates, 711 are male and 47 female.

As of 6:00 a.m. on December 24, 2024, Zambia’s total inmate population stood at 28,451, with 863 being female.

“This act of clemency reflects the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that defines this sacred holiday,” said Mwiimbu.

He added that the decision underscores President Hichilema’s commitment to restorative justice and the rehabilitation of offenders within the criminal justice system.

“This compassionate gesture is further amplified by Zambia’s accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on December 19, 2024, which abolishes the death penalty,” Mwiimbu said.

He emphasised that the move aligned with the government’s broader commitment to a humane and rehabilitative approach to justice.

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