Malawi: Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the President of the Republic of Malawi, has released twenty-one (21) prisoners across Malawi. The release of the prisoners was a part of the Easter celebrations for the year 2025 on 19 April.
Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security, W.S. Kayuni has shared that the release ceremony for the inmates was a part of the administration’s effort to spread easter cheer.
The President of the Republic of Malawi was honoured to participate in the event. The pardons were done in accordance with constitutional law under section 89(2) and section 111 of the Prison Act.
The President of Malawi took the initiative to grant a pardon to convicted prisoners who have served half of their sentence and are chronically ill. The initiative is to make sure that the people of the country are given the opportunity to rehabilitate into normal life.
The pardons were aimed towards encouraging good behaviour and giving a chance to deserving candidates
The homeland security officer highlighted that they have granted pardons to convicted prisoners who met the requirements. In addition to the guidelines for the pardon, the inmates who were let off also demonstrated good behavioural reform while serving their sentences.
The President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera also granted General Amnesty to convicted prisoners serving determinate sentences. This was done as an act of clemency during this Easter holiday. Another reason for this action was to decongest prisons.
The Genaral Amnesty is a chance for the convicted prisoners to reform for the better in their free life.
This General Amnesty will be applied to convicted prisoners except those with relapsed behaviours or recidivism. Furthermore, the amnesry will also not cover prisoners convicted of some of the serious offences such as: offences against persons with albinism murder, offences against persons with disabilities, manslaughter, armed robbery, arson, robbery with violence, burglary, rape and defilement.
However, in the case of these offenders General Amnesty will reduce their respective sentences by six months. This will help in reducing the prison population by approximately 14 percent.