President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi issued a decision to pardon a number of sentenced prisoners to honor Sinai Liberation Day April 25, according to the official gazette.
The decision applies to those who have served half their sentences, and have demonstrated “good behavior” during the prison term, and those who paid all financial obligations ruled against them, except for those who cannot afford it.
According to the gazette, a committee formed of concerned security bodies to decide on those who qualify under the decision.
Pardoning prisoners is a constitutional right granted to the president and a tradition by the state that usually takes place during official holidays and feast, on the condition their offences do not include violence or attacking public or police properties.
Many debt prisoners were released on national occasions after their debt was settled by the presidency, or the military.
A total of 40 prisoners were released in Delta’s Beheira governorate on occasion of celebration of National Police Day and the fifth anniversary of January 25 Revolution in January.
In commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of 6 of October war last year, a total of 331 prisoners were released.
In September 2015, around 145 inmates nationwide were released as per a presidential decree.
