President Khalifa pardons almost 1,000 prisoners ahead of Ramadan

Move is to give inmates an opportunity to start a new life and alleviate their families' hardship

Emirati President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan and France's President Francois Hollande (unseen) take part in a meeting at the Al-Mushrif presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2013. French President Francois Hollande, defended his country's intervention in Mali, saying it had prevented the African country from being overrun by "terrorists". AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND LANGLOIS / AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND LANGLOIS
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More than 900 prisoners have been pardoned by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, ahead of Ramadan.

State news agency Wam reported that 935 will be released to coincide with the Holy Month.

"The gesture is part of President Sheikh Khalifa's attempt to provide prisoners an opportunity to start a new life and alleviate their families' hardship", state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, also ordered the release of 302 inmates ahead of the holy month.

On Monday, the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi ordered 304 prisoners, who showed good conduct during their jail terms, to be released.

Every year, the President and the rulers of the emirates pardon prisoners and order the settling of debts of those jailed for financial crimes or with outstanding fines to pay.

Prisoners are usually selected for their good conduct.

Last year the UAE pardoned close to 2,000 in total.

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