President pardons 400 inmates today

President Mohamed Nasheed has today pardoned about 400 inmates on the occasion of Independence Day.

At the special ceremony held on the occasion of the Independence Day, at the Dharubaaruge this morning, President Nasheed said that the pardon would allow them to be rehabilitated and they would be prepared to live in the society as good citizens.

President Nasheed said that there are lots of inmates who can be brought out of criminal life and they can be guided to live a normal and a decent life.

The President said that the 400 inmates will be pardoned under special conditions. He said that priority was given to those prisoners who were suffering from health problems and who had the potential for higher education and benefit the society. He said that the criminal records were checked thoroughly to find those who met the conditions.

He also said that if any of the pardoned persons return to their previous life and commit any criminal offence within 3 years, they will not be exempted from the clemency procedures and pardon and they have to go to the prison again.