RABAT, July 30 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI has granted amnesty to 2,476 prisoners on Throne Day, a significant national holiday in Morocco, said the Moroccan Justice Ministry on Monday.
The pardon was granted to 2,278 inmates who saw reductions in their prison sentences, while 182 others had their prison terms or fines annulled, or both, Xinhua reported the ministry said in a statement.
Furthermore, 16 prisoners convicted of extremism and terrorism were also included in the amnesty after completing rehabilitation programmes where they renounced extremism and terrorism, according to the statement.
The Throne Day, celebrated annually on July 30, commemorates the anniversary of King Mohammed VI's ascension to the throne in 1999.
Royal pardons are traditionally granted in Morocco during major national commemorations or religious festivals, underscoring the king's role in the justice system and societal reconciliation efforts.
-- BERNAMA-XINHUA
