On Monday, Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ordered the release of 606 inmates ahead of the UAE's 46th National Day, according to an official statement by the Dubai Media Office.
The Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai wanted to give pardoned inmates a second chance at life and ease the suffering of their families.
Gulf News reported that Dubai’s Attorney General Issam Eisa Al Humaidan said that the order to issue the amnesty reflects the keenness of His Highness to offer the pardoned inmates a chance to reintegrate into society.
Attorney General Al Humaidan added that the Public Prosecution is coordinating with the General Command of Dubai Police to carry out the order and necessary logistics.
Other royal pardons in 2017
According to the Emirates News Agency and Gulf News, at the end of August 2017, almost every ruler of each of the emirates decided to pardon prisoners on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.
Here is the breakdown:
- Abu Dhabi - 803 prisoners pardoned
- Dubai - 543 prisoners pardoned
- Sharjah - 117 prisoners pardoned
- Fujairah - 47 prisoners pardoned
- Ajman - 92 prisoners pardoned
- Ras Al Khaimah - 305 prisoners pardoned
The pardoned inmates had been serving jail terms for a variety of minor offenses.
Every year, ahead of religious and national holidays, the President and rulers of the emirates pardon prisoners and order the settling of debts, which prevent many from leaving prison.