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Egypt pardons thousands of prisoners to commemorate 1973 war

October 7, 2021 at 12:10 pm

An Egyptian man embraces his parents following his release from prison in Cairo on March 14, 2017 [ALY FAHIM/AFP via Getty Images]

The Egyptian authorities yesterday announced the release of 3,886 prisoners on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the 6 October 1973 war.

“Prisoner files were examined nationwide before determining those who deserved to be pardoned,” said the interior ministry.” The process was concluded with the release of 3,886 prisoners.” Those being released, the ministry added, are being transferred to police stations in preparation for their release.

No names of the released prisoners or other details such as how long they have been in prison and what they were charged with have been provided by the ministry. According to the Egyptian constitution, the president can pardon prisoners who have no further avenues for appeal.

Egypt holds an annual commemoration of its victory against Israel and the recapture of the Sinai Peninsula under the leadership of late President Anwar El-Sadat. Sadat signed a peace treaty with the occupation state in March 1979. He was assassinated in Cairo during the 6 October victory parade in 1981.

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