378 Prisoners Pardoned

President Peter Mutharika is reported to have pardoned 378 prisoners as part of the 53rd Independence Anniversary Celebrations. In a statement signed by Principal Secretary for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Samuel Madula, prisoners who have been pardoned are those who were charged with minor offences and demonstrated good behavioral reform or are chronically ill. “The pardon of the 378 prisoners by His Excellency the President is a symbol of forgiveness during this year’s Republic celebrations,” reads the statement in part. The 53rd Independence celebrations were marred with grief after a stampede killed eight people, seven of them children, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.