The President of the Republic of Somaliland HE Muse Bihi Abdi pardoned 365 inmates for the 18 May. The statement from from the President’s office stated that the pardon is for inmates charged with minor offences.
The statement adds that the pardon does not affect civil penalties resulting from their criminal charges as enshrined by the Article 92 of the penal code.
Although the pardon did not specifically mention COVID-19, sources indicate that concerns of the spreading disease is a major concern for the President and may be a factor in his decision to pardon inmates.
This is the second Presidential pardon this year since President Bihi has pardoned 574Â inmates on April 1st 2020.