HH gifts 759 inmates with Christmas pardon

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned and commuted sentences of 759 inmates who are dotted across the country in various correctional facilities.
Jack Mwiimbu, the Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister said in a statement yesterday that out of the pardoned 712 were ordinary, four convicted women with circumstantial children.
Mr Mwiimbu said 12 were released due to old age while 14 were foreigners and 17 inmates had their sentences commuted.
He said of the 17 commuted sentences, two were on death row and were commuted to life, seven to terminable sentences of 40 years, six long term commuted to 25 years, one long term commuted to 30 years and one lifer commuted to terminable sentence of 25 years. “This act of clemency reflects the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that defines this sacred holiday. This decision underscores President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to restorative justice and the rehabilitation of individuals within the criminal justice system,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
He said President Hichilema’s compassionate gesture was further amplified by the momentous occasion of Zambia’s accession to the second optional protocol to the international covenant on civil and political rights December 19, 2024, abolishing the death penalty. Mr Mwiimbu said the bold step aligned perfectly with the government’s commitment to a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice. He said the Zambia Correctional Service played a vital in the process of rehabilitating and reformation of inmates, equipping them with skills and support necessary for successful reintegration into society.