It has been revealed that the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has granted clemency and pardon to 434 individuals this year, including several individuals imprisoned for offenses such as drug trafficking, child abuse, and violence.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, in response to a request from "Mihaaru News," out of the 434 individuals released on parole and clemency between January 1, 2023, and November 16, 53 were released on parole.
Most of them had been incarcerated on drug-related charges:
● Use of Cannabis: 6 individuals
● Use of diamorphine: 23 individuals
● Substance abuse: 14 individuals
● Drug dealing: 1 individual
● Drug trafficking: 2 individuals
Pardon was granted to two individuals convicted of sexual offenses, one who was in prison for assault with a sharp object, and two others who were imprisoned for theft. Additionally, two individuals accused of terrorism charges have also been released.
● Use of Cannabis: 26 individuals
● Use of diamorphine: 60 individuals
● Substance abuse: 84 individuals
● Diamorphine trafficking: 42 individuals
● Cannabis trafficking: 21 individuals
● Drug dealing: 1 person
● Drug trafficking: 11 individuals
● Diamorphine pedaling: 1 person
In addition, three individuals imprisoned for sexual offenses and 21 others involved in property and financial offenses were released on parole. Additionally, clemency was granted to sixteen individuals who had been in prison for dangerous crimes.
They include ten individuals imprisoned for assault, one on terrorism charges, one for possession of sharp weapons, two for causing harm to another person, one for intimidation, and one for manslaughter.
According to the data released by the ministry, 91 individuals have been transferred from prison to house arrest this year, with a majority of them being incarcerated for drug offenses.
● Use of Cannabis: 1 individual
● Use of diamorphine: 4 individuals
● Substance abuse: 19 individuals
● Diamorphine dealing: 6 individuals
● Drug trafficking: 2 individuals
● Cannabis trafficking: 4 individuals
Additionally, 22 individuals imprisoned for sexual offenses, including 18 for child sexual abuse, have been transferred to house arrest.
Seven individuals imprisoned for dangerous crimes, including a man involved in a murder case, have been placed under house arrest.
In addition, this includes an individual involved in assault charges, another involved in intimidation charges, and three individuals who were imprisoned on terrorism charges.
A total of 19 individuals who were imprisoned for property and financial offenses have also been transferred to house arrest.
The previous government released nearly 500 prisoners this year alone, and the rise in violence and crime is now under scrutiny.
According to the Prisons and Parole Act, individuals who have completed a specific period of their sentence during their imprisonment are permitted to be released on parole under certain conditions, aiming to reintegrate them into society without compromising public safety.
The decision to release individuals on parole is made by the President based on the recommendations of the Parole Board. Factors such as the potential risk they pose to society and their criminal record are taken into account when determining whether to grant parole.
As long as the parolee adheres to the conditions imposed on them, they are free to live like other members of society.
Under the Clemency Act, individuals have the opportunity to apply to the board for clemency. Upon the board's recommendation, the President decides on pardons and commutation of sentences. The President holds the authority to pardon, delay, and shorten prison sentences.
In other circumstances, an individual may apply for the remission or commutation of their sentence only after serving one-fourth of the term of the sentence for the offense for which they were convicted, except for in cases where the sentence involves a fine.
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