President Arthur Peter Mutharika has pardoned 222 prisoners and reduced prison sentences for many others, a move that will see over 2,600 inmates affected across Malawi.
The decision, announced through the Ministry of Homeland Security, was made as part of the Christmas and New Year goodwill gesture.
According to the statement, the prisoners who were freed are those who met the required conditions and showed good behaviour during their time in prison.
For others, their sentences have been cut by nine months, easing pressure on Malawi’s overcrowded prisons.
However, the pardon does not apply to inmates convicted of serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery, rape, human trafficking, or abuse against people with albinism.
