President grants clemency to 24 convicts

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has today reduced the sentences of 24 convicts.

President’s Office said the clemency was conditional and that sentences were reduced for convicts serving prison sentences, along with people in banishment and house arrest. The office did not reveal details.

However, President’s Office said that the group of people granted clemency today does not include murderers, terrorists, child abusers, rapists, people in prison for acts of homosexuality and people convicted of crimes stated in Islamic Sharia. People convicted for trafficking more than 4 grams of drugs were also excluded from the group.

President’s Office said clemency application are being reviewed and that the President will grant clemency to another group of convicts on 1 February.