Tunisia has marked the 68th anniversary of the Republic by releasing nearly 1,500 prisoners, a move that combines conditional releases and presidential pardons as part of a broader drive to reform the nation’s prison system.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that 742 inmates were granted conditional release after their cases were reviewed by a specialized committee. Justice officials stressed that each release was evaluated carefully and forms part of a structured reintegration plan aimed at helping former prisoners rebuild their lives.
Alongside the ministry’s decision, the Tunisian presidency issued pardons to 745 additional inmates, in what has become a symbolic tradition tied to the Republic Day celebrations.
Officials described the gesture as both a signal of reconciliation between the state and its citizens and a practical response to the country’s long-standing challenges of overcrowded prisons and strained detention conditions.
“This initiative reflects our commitment not only to justice, but to social reintegration and rehabilitation,” the Justice Ministry said, noting that the releases form part of an ongoing plan to reduce recidivism and ease pressure on the penal system.
The mass releases come amid growing scrutiny of Tunisia’s detention facilities, which rights groups have frequently criticized for poor conditions and overcapacity. By pairing the amnesty with reintegration measures, authorities say they are aiming to shift the focus of the justice system from purely punitive measures to rehabilitation.
While Republic Day pardons are not unprecedented, the scale of this year’s releases underscores the government’s efforts to balance public safety with social responsibility. Officials say the initiative reflects a broader vision of justice—one that not only punishes wrongdoing but also offers hope and a path back into society for those seeking to turn their lives around.
The move, welcomed by advocates of prison reform, is also expected to ease mounting pressure on Tunisia’s overcrowded facilities while reinforcing the state’s message of renewal and unity on a day of national significance.
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