Eid Al Adha 2020: Sheikh Khalifa pardons 515 prisoners

UAE President also directs that inmates' debts be paid

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Reporter: N/A: The sun sets behind Al Rustmani Mosque in Jebel Ali on the day before ramadan. Thursday, April 23rd, 2020. Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 515 prisoners for Eid Al Adha on Friday.

The UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi also cleared the debts of the inmates.

The pardoned prisoners were in jail for different crimes.

The Rulers of the Emirates traditionally pardon hundreds of prisoners during Ramadan and Eid.

In April, Sheikh Khalifa pardoned 1,511 prisoners for the holy month.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also pardoned 874 prisoners the same month.

“The President's pardon comes within the context of the UAE's humanitarian initiatives based on values of forgiveness and tolerance and gives the released prisoners a chance to change for the better by starting a new life and engage in positive participation in a manner that benefits their families and communities,” said news agency, Wam.

“The annual pardon also comes as part of Sheikh Khalifa's keenness to enhance family cohesion, bring about happiness to mothers and children and give the pardoned prisoners a chance to reconsider their future and return back to the righteous path that ensures a successful social and professional life.”