UAE rulers pardon 4,700 prisoners to mark holy month of Ramzan

UAE leaders have pardoned 4,700 prisoners across various emirates to mark the holy month of Ramzan, a tradition observed in Gulf countries during significant Islamic occasions. The UAE President also pledged to settle financial obligations linked to the sentences.

By Gulf Correspondent

Dubai: UAE leaders have granted pardons to 4,700 prisoners to mark the holy month of Ramzan. Gulf countries often order the release of prisoners on such special Islamic occasions.

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In Dubai, Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has pardoned 1,856 prisoners of various nationalities. In Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has ordered the release of 1,440 inmates.

In addition to the pardons, the UAE President will settle all financial obligations arising from the prisoners’ sentences. Similarly, 738 prisoners were released in Sharjah, 407 in Ras Al Khaimah, 135 in Ajman and 125 in Fujairah, the state news agency WAM reported.

To apply for a Ramzan or Eid pardon in the UAE, a request must be submitted to the ruler of the emirate where the case is registered, along with the required documents.

While pardons are typically granted to those who have served part of their sentence, the rulers have discretion in their decisions. Eligibility often depends on good conduct, participation in rehabilitation programmes and completion of part of the sentence.

The process involves cooperation between the police, prosecution and the ruler’s court. Pardons are more common for less serious offences and are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the crime, inmate behaviour and rehabilitation progress.