President Ernest Bai Koroma Gives Presidential Pardon To 152 Prisoners

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma has used his prerogative of mercy to pardon 152 prisoners in accordance with the spirit of the new year, his office said on Friday, January 1, 2016.

Ten of those who benefitted are women, a statement from the Office of the President in Freetown confirmed.

It said the gesture is in line with a traditional practice annually and meant as a demonstration of goodwill by past and present leaders of Sierra Leone.
However, only people who committed minor offences or are close to the end of their terms in jail and with good behavioural record are considered for release.

Those released committed offences like traffic rule violations and loitering among others.