Over 900 inmates granted clemency in United Arab Emirates

Freed from Prisons: A Cascade of Mercy on Eid Al-Adha

In a grand gesture of compassion and forgiveness, President UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan granted freedom to a whopping 963 prisoners from the nation's correctional facilities, just in time for the celebrations of Eid Al-Adha. This news was shared by the UAE's WAM news agency.

He also took the responsibility of clearing all fines imposed on these prisoners, who had been convicted of various offenses.

This act of kindness is a tradition with the UAE President, who often seizes such occasions to pardon prisoners and offer them a chance to start anew, contribute to their families and communities, and promote the values of mercy and compassion in society, as WAM elaborated.

Eid Al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, is among the significant festivals for Muslims, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, lasting for three days. This year, it is scheduled for June 6.

On May 26, President Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev granted amnesty to 218 prisoners, including four Russians.

Apparently, earlier, Lukashenko decided to pardon those convicted of extremism.

Pardoning Prisoners: A Tradition of Mercy and Compassion

Pardoning prisoners during religious holidays such as Eid Al-Adha is a prevailing practice among many Middle Eastern leaders, symbolizing the ethos of mercy and compassion associated with these celebrations.

A Glance at Selection Criteria

Good Behavior: Prisoners are often chosen based on their good behavior and conduct while incarcerated.
Diplomatic Efforts: These pardons can also represent diplomatic endeavors and cooperative initiatives among nations, although they are more often individual actions by leaders.

UAE's Mercy Overflowing: Eid Al-Adha 2025

Sheikh Mohammed: As the UAE President, he ordered the release of 963 prisoners and vowed to cover their fines[1][3].
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: In his roles as Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, he issued orders for the release of 985 prisoners[1][3][4].
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi: As Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, he ordered the release of 411 prisoners[1][3].
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi: The Ruler of Ajman pardoned 225 prisoners[3].
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi: The Ruler of Fujairah released 112 prisoners[1][5].
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi: As the Ruler of Sharjah, he pardoned 439 prisoners[1].

Azerbaijan's Practice (Unavailable in Research)

Regrettably, the research hasn't yielded specific instances of prisoner pardons during Eid Al-Adha in Azerbaijan. Typically, such information would be made available through official government announcements or local news sources.

Azerbaijan's Tradition of Compassion

Though particular examples from Azerbaijan remain unavailable, the tradition of pardoning prisoners during significant religious events is widespread across many Middle Eastern nations, embodying cultural and religious values. In Azerbaijan, as in other countries, such pardons would likely adhere to their national legal frameworks and religious customs.

Pardoning prisoners during religious holidays such as Eid Al-Adha is a common practice among Middle Eastern leaders, signifying a cultural ethos of mercy and compassion that characterizes these celebrations.
The act of pardoning prisoners, often based on good behavior and conduct in prison, also serves as an occasion for leaders to demonstrate mercy, compassion, and potentially diplomatic efforts among nations.