Sheikh Khalifa pardons 721 prisoners

ABU DHABI // On occasion of National Day, the President, Sheikh Khalifa, has ordered the release of 721 prisoners.

Sheikh Khalifa also pledged to settle their debts. The UAE celebrates National Day on December 2.

According to state news agency Wam, the move comes as part of the President’s keenness to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.

Salem Saeed Kubaish, the UAE attorney-general, said Sheikh Khalifa’s noble gesture to pardon the prisoners on the occasion of the 44th National Day anniversary “comes from a leader who seeks welfare for all people living in the UAE. This will give them an opportunity to start a new life and contribute to the nation’s development, as well as provide better living conditions for their families.”

The pardon aims to instill happiness in the hearts of the families of the released inmates, calling on the released prisoners to follow a righteous life and to achieve a better future.

Mr Kubaish congratulated the UAE President, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, members of the Supreme Council, the Rulers of the emirates and Crown Princes, on the occasion.

He also congratulated the people of the UAE.