Sheikh Mohammed pardons 672 prisoners in Dubai

A total of 672 prisoners have been pardoned and will be released from punitive and correctional establishments in Dubai.

The order to release the prisoners was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ahead of the UAE’s 50th National Day.

Dubai’s Attorney-General, Essam Issa Al Humaidan, said that Sheikh Mohammed’s order to pardon the prisoners reflects his keenness to give the convicted inmates a chance to start a new life and alleviate their families’ hardship.

The Attorney General said that the decision will also provide them the opportunity to reintegrate into society.

The Dubai Public Prosecution will immediately commence the legal procedures required to implement Sheikh Mohammed’s order.

Earlier this week, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 870 prisoners ahead of the country’s National Day.

Read: UAE President, Ajman Ruler pardon prisoners ahead of 50th National Day

Individual rulers of the different emirates within the UAE have also issued similar directives to release a select number of prisoners ahead of the country’s golden jubilee.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, ordered the release of 442 prisoners; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, ordered the release of 107 prisoners in Fujairah; Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, pardoned 237 prisoners in Sharjah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, ordered the release of 34 prisoners in the emirate; and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman ordered the release of 43 prisoners as well.