Somalia: Jubaland President pardons prisoners for Ramadan

KISMAYO, Somalia-The President of Somalia’s Jubaland Administration Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has ordered his police chief to release inmates convicted of slight offenses for the holy month of Ramadan, Garowe Online reports. 

Madobe told a news conference in the southern port city of Kismayo that political prisoners are also part of annual Ramadan pardons this year.

 Most prisoners poised for the release have served a larger portion of their jail terms. 

Defendants charged with murder and possibly terrorism and subsequently convicted in courts would not be set free.

 “If there are inmates held for political reasons or convicted of minor crimes, we are pardoning them due to the beginning of Ramadan month,” unveiled Jubaland President. 

Somali political leaders pardon prisoners every year for the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer.

GAROWEONLINE