Egypt pardons 54 from Sinai Peninsula upon request from tribal leaders

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi today pardoned 54 inmates from the Sinai Peninsula convicted of various crimes.

A presidential statement said the move was taken in response to requests from tribal leaders in Rafah and Sheikh Zuwied in northern Sinai.

“The decision came in appreciation of the historic role of the people of Sinai in combating terrorism and achieving development and stability,” the statement said.

It, however, did not provide any details about the prisoners or their sentences.

Al-Sisi issued several decrees to pardon detainees over the past few years under which thousands of inmates were released as part of state efforts to achieve national reconciliation.

There are some 60,000 political prisoners in Egypt who are systematically tortured and denied medical care, according to international human rights organisations.

Many have been added to “terror” lists and have had their assets frozen and been banned from travelling.

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