CAIRO — Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Wednesday pardoned more than 330 young people, most of whom had been convicted and jailed for their participation in illegal protests.
Egypt’s president has the authority to pardon those who have been convicted and cannot appeal their sentences. Authorities in Muslim countries traditionally release prisoners on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan as a show of mercy. This year, Ramadan begins today.
In televised remarks, el-Sissi said he ordered that all procedures be completed so the prisoners can “eat sohour at their homes,” referring to the predawn meal before the daily sunup-to-sundown fast.
Officials say a total of 332 prisoners will be released, including pro-democracy activists who were found to be in violation of a 2013 law that prohibits unauthorized protests.