UAE leaders pardon prisoners ahead of Eid al-Etihad

Several UAE rulers have pardoned hundreds of prisoners in their respective emirate ahead of the 53rd Eid al-Etihad on December 2, the latest being Umm al-Quwain.

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has ordered the release of an unspecified number of prisoners ahead of the 53rd Eid al-Etihad, it was announced on Thursday.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has also ordered the release of 118 prisoners from punitive and correctional institutions in Fujairah. 

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Governor of Sharjah 683 prisoners. 

Those selected reportedly displayed good conduct during their sentences.

The leaders said the gesture aims to give those released an opportunity to reintegrate into society and ease the suffering of their families.

On Wednesday, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 2,269 prisoners and pledged to cover all fines and penalties imposed on the inmates.