PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan, has granted a pardon to 4,887 inmates, with 42 to be released immediately on April 26, 2025, and 4,845 to remain in prison to serve the remainder of their reduced sentences.

A statement released today by the Ministry of Home Affairs says the presidential pardon is part of the celebrations marking the 61st Anniversary of the Union of Tanzania. 

“The government hopes these inmates will reintegrate into society and contribute to nation-building while avoiding repeat offenses,” the statement said.

Among the beneficiaries are death row inmates who have completed legal procedures and had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. 

Others previously granted clemency from death to life sentences will now serve 30 years instead, without eligibility for sentence reduction.

Also included in the pardon are elderly inmates aged 70 and above serving definite terms and who have served at least two years, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in prison, as well as inmates with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to work.