By The Respondents Reporter
In celebration of 62 years since the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has granted a special presidential pardon to selected prisoners across the country, offering relief to a total of 1,369 inmates as part of the national commemorations.
The decision, made under the constitutional powers granted by Article 45(1)(a)-(d) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, includes a remission of one-sixth of sentences for eligible prisoners and reflects the government’s continued commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Out of the total beneficiaries, 436 prisoners have been released immediately, while 933 inmates have had their sentences reduced and will continue serving the remaining period in correctional facilities.
The pardon applies to prisoners who meet specific criteria, including those serving sentences of one year and above who have already served at least one-quarter of their sentence and were admitted before January 25, 2026.
It also covers prisoners with terminal illnesses confirmed by a medical board chaired by the Regional or District Chief Medical Officer, elderly inmates aged 70 years and above, and female prisoners who entered prison while pregnant or are caring for dependent children.
Persons with severe physical or mental disabilities, as certified by medical authorities, are also included.
Additionally, inmates serving sentences under “Presidential Pleasure” who have spent at least 10 years in custody, as well as those who have served 25 years and above, are among the beneficiaries.
Death row inmates whose appeals have been finalized and whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after serving at least 15 years have also been considered.
However, the government has clearly excluded several categories from the pardon. These include prisoners convicted of serious economic crimes such as corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, as well as drug trafficking and human trafficking offences.
Others excluded are inmates convicted of violent and sexual crimes, including rape, defilement, child abuse, armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms or explosives, terrorism, piracy, cybercrime, and wildlife-related crimes such as poaching.
Life sentence prisoners, repeat offenders, civil debt prisoners, escape cases, and those previously granted presidential pardon are also not eligible.
The government further excluded prisoners serving disciplinary sentences for recent misconduct in custody, as well as those convicted of murder with death sentences, except in cases where commutation procedures had already been completed.
Authorities have expressed hope that those released will return to their communities as reformed citizens and contribute positively to national development.
The government has urged them to uphold peace, discipline, and responsibility as they reintegrate into society.
The annual presidential pardon remains a significant national tradition, symbolising mercy, justice, and the country’s commitment to rehabilitation within the correctional system.
