President orders release of 800 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha

WAM -- The President, Sheikh Khalifa, has ordered the release of 803 prisoners ahead of the religious holiday of Eid Al Adha.

The pardoned inmates had seving jail terms for a variety of minor offenses, reported state news agency Wam.

Sheikh Khalifa pledged to settle the financial obligations of the released prisoners to give them a chance at a new life and alleviate the suffering of their families, Wam said.

Every year ahead of religious holidays, the president and rulers of the emirates pardon prisoners and order the settling of debts, which prevent many from leaving prison.

Last year, Sheikh Khalifa pardoned more than 1000 inmates who met the criteria for good conduct. 

On Monday, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain also ordered the release of a number of prisoners from penal and correctional facilities in the emirate that showed good conduct.