Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has granted a free pardon to 105 convicted prisoners across The Gambia in commemoration of Yawm al-Ashura, exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the pardon was granted under Section 82(1)(a) of the 1997 Constitution following consultations with the Constitutional Committee established under Section 82(2) of the Constitution.
The presidency said President Barrow personally reviewed the circumstances of each beneficiary before approving the free and unconditional pardon, concluding that their cases warranted clemency.
The beneficiaries comprise 103 men and two women held in various prison facilities across the country. Those pardoned include both Gambian citizens and foreign nationals who met the assessment and recommendation criteria set by the Constitutional Committee.
The presidential pardon forms part of efforts to mark Yawm al-Ashura, a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims around the world.
According to the statement, the decision reflects President Barrow’s commitment to the values of mercy, compassion, and restorative justice associated with the observance of Yawm al-Ashura.
The Office of the President expressed hope that the pardoned individuals would take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
“The President personally considered the individual circumstances of each of the one hundred and five beneficiaries and was satisfied that those circumstances warranted the grant of a free and unconditional pardon,” the statement noted.
The presidency also extended its best wishes to the beneficiaries and their families, urging them to fully reintegrate into their communities and pursue productive lives following their release.
Presidential pardons are provided for under the Gambian Constitution and are typically exercised on special national or religious occasions after recommendations from the relevant constitutional bodies.
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