Hundreds of prisoners in the UAE are given a chance to rebuild their lives every year in the spirit of Ramadan.
On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 439 inmates and pledged to clear their debts.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, pardoned a further 206 prisoners, while Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, directed 55 inmates be freed.
The humanitarian gesture, also made during other religious festivals and national events, aims to reward prisoners who have sought rehabilitation and release a burden from the shoulders of their families.
But how are prisoner pardons organised and who is eligible? The National explains.
Pardon lists are compiled
This process requires co-operation between police and prosecution departments.
Proposed pardon lists comprising names of inmates whose crimes are less serious, often financial offences, are prepared by prisons in each emirate and shared with prosecutors.
Based on orders from the attorney general in each emirate, the lists are revised and compared with the case files of each inmate before being finalised.
After being approved by the attorney general, the list would then be forwarded to the respective ruler’s court, where a decision is issued on their release.
Who could be eligible?
Those eligible for pardon must have served a portion of their sentence – a specific period is not dictated – demonstrated good conduct, have not been covered by previous pardon decisions and have participated in rehabilitation and reform programmes carried out by the correctional institutions.
Prisoners whose debts are not settled as part of their release must first clear any financial obligations.
If they are incapable of paying the sum, their cases will be shared with approved charities to help pay off their debts and help them return to their families.
Inmates who were sentenced to deportation after completing their terms will be deported after a pardon.
Ramadan preparations in UAE
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A cannon is fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, to mark the beginning of iftar in 2020. Victor Besa / The National -
A Ramadan decoration at one of the bridges on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National -
Hundreds of packets of cooked food provided by Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh temple in Jebel Ali for the needy are distributed by Markaz volunteers before iftar at the Naif area of Deira, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Volunteers in Fujairah prepare food to be handed out at iftar. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Ramadan decorations on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi, at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A cannon is fired to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi's oldest standing building. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A woman checks out a Ramadan promotional stand at Carrefour in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan lamps for sale at the Dhow Harbour and Al Mina Souq, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The sun sets behind Al Rustmani Mosque in Jebel Ali, Dubai, on the day before Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ramadan decoration at one of the bridges on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National -
Ramadan lights on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations at the Spinneys in Al Barsha, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A Ramadan date shopper at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market at Mina Zayed. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan decorations inside Al Fateh Plaza at the Dhow Harbour and Al Mina Souq, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
