For 134 prisoners and their families, this year’s Independence Day has brought more than celebrations, it has brought a second chance.
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has granted a presidential pardon to 134 inmates as part of the 2026 Independence Day commemorations, allowing them to walk out of prison and reunite with their loved ones.
According to the Ministry of Homeland Security, the pardon targets selected categories of inmates, including those who have served at least half of their sentences, elderly prisoners, women with infants, and inmates living with chronic illnesses.
Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security Linda Pacharo Moyo said the beneficiaries met requirements under the Guidelines for the Granting of Pardons and showed good behavioral reform while serving their jail sentences.
Pacharo Moyo, described the pardon as an act of mercy during this 62nd Independence day holiday.
According to the Ministry, the sigh of relief for prisoners is in line to Mutharika’s exercise of his powers accorded under Section 89(2) of the Malawi Constitution.
