Over 8,000 inmates benefit from General Pardon Law - attorney general

AMMAN — Attorney General Judge Yousef Thiabat on Sunday said that the General Pardon Law has offered a fresh opportunity for reform to 8,454 inmates from correctional and rehabilitation centres.

In a press conference held at the Palace of Justice, Thiabat revealed that this law has benefited 181 inmates in reform centres, along with 25 detainees and 426 foreign nationals, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported.

He also noted that the State Security Court’s prosecution office has issued release warrants for detainees and convicts, irrespective of whether their cases are pending or executed, adding that a total of 2,648 individuals have benefited from the law, with 2,264 being fully released and 384 receiving partial pardons.

Thiabat also emphasised that the public prosecution departments in the Kingdom persist in waiving penalties for crimes encompassed by the general pardon, with 14,548 cases benefiting from it until April 6, and 14,964 criminal cases covered by the law have been dismissed.

The attorney general also noted that the public prosecution departments are still executing the provisions of the law and finalising the inclusion of remaining beneficiaries, noting that a total of 8,454 inmates from correctional and rehabilitation centres have benefitted from it so far, including 4,861 who have been fully released, and 3,593 who have partially benefited from the law.

Thiabat confirmed that if any issues arise in implementing the law, Article 6 of the law mandates the formation of a committee to address any objections or issues stemming from the application of this law.

His Majesty King Abdullah had directed the government to draft a general pardon law to alleviate the burdens on people and provide others with an opportunity to reform themselves while ensuring people’s rights and the rule of law.

The law covered a broad range of crimes, misdemeanours, violations, and offences committed before March 19, including the cancellation of criminal charges and all related penalties, such as fines and fees.

It also exempted 38 specific offences, including crimes related to state security, terrorism, firearms, illicit drugs and human trafficking, as well as fines associated with income, sales taxes, and customs.