President Mutharika Pardons 222 Prisoners, Reduces Sentences for Others in Christmas Gesture
Published on January 3, 2026 at 7:49 AM by Evance Kapito
President Peter Mutharika has pardoned 222 prisoners and reduced prison sentences for others by nine months, a move expected to lower the country’s prison population by 2,640 inmates.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Homeland Security, the presidential clemency has been granted as part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The statement says those pardoned were selected after meeting set eligibility criteria, including demonstrating good behavior while serving their sentences.
It further explains that sentence reductions have been applied selectively, excluding inmates convicted of serious crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, human trafficking, and offences involving abuse of people with albinism.
The move is aimed at promoting rehabilitation, easing congestion in prisons, and giving deserving inmates a chance to reintegrate into society.
