PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has pardoned 1,548 prisoners, with 22 of them being released yesterday while the remaining 1,526 prisoners will remain in custody to complete reduced sentences.

Daniel Sillo, the Home Affairs deputy minister, said in a statement yesterday that the presidential amnesty applies to prisoners serving sentences of two years or more who have already completed one-quarter of their terms and were incarcerated before October 19, 2024.

“The government hopes that those pardoned will reintegrate into society as transformed individuals, contributing to national development and avoiding a return to prison,” he states.

The pardon similarly applied to terminally ill prisoners in critical stages of illness, elderly inmates aged 70 and above, pregnant women who were imprisoned while expecting, and prisoners with sharp physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to work.

Others include inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, prisoners who have served at least 15 years regardless of the crime, and those detained for over 10 years, he stated.

President Samia marked Independence Day by delivering a message to the public, encouraging the people to use the occasion in thanksgiving for the country’s peace and stability.

In a post on social media platforms, the president urged members of the public to take pride in safeguarding the core values of peace, unity and solidarity, which she stressed are the pillars of the nation’s success.

The Mainland gained independence 63 years ago on December 9, 1961, when it became independent but within the British Commonwealth, with the late Queen Elisabeth II remaining the territory’s Head of State.

Exactly one year later it became a republic, saying farewell to the governor general, Sir Richard Turnbull, then proceeded to unite with Zanzibar after its revolution against the sultanate early in 1964.

Ahead of this year’s commemoration, President Samia cancelled national level ceremonies, with the funds so allocated being redirected to community projects.