Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed two decrees authorising the release of 6,797 prisoners, in what is being described as one of the country’s most significant acts of clemency in recent years.
According to Algeria360, the presidential pardons were officially announced on Friday, July 4, and target individuals convicted of non-violent offenses.
Authorities clarified that those imprisoned for serious or violent crimes are excluded from the decree.
The mass release is being hailed by many observers as a strategic gesture of reconciliation and national unity.
It comes at a time when Algerian authorities are seeking to foster greater social cohesion and reinforce efforts aimed at healing divisions within the country.
“This is not a gesture of leniency without responsibility,” stated one senior official.
“It is a carefully considered move to give a second chance to those who have shown signs of rehabilitation and are ready to rejoin society.”
The amnesty is part of a broader policy push focused on the reintegration of former inmates.
Individuals granted release will need to meet strict post-release conditions, including maintaining good conduct and respecting the law.
The authorities have stressed that monitoring mechanisms will be in place to support their transition.
This sweeping pardon also sends a broader message about the balance the state is trying to strike—upholding the rule of law while recognising the importance of redemption and reintegration.
The implementation of the release will be overseen by Algeria’s judicial and prison services in the coming days.
Families of those affected have welcomed the news with a mix of relief and hope, seeing it as an opportunity for loved ones to start afresh.
Analysts believe the move could mark a turning point in Algeria’s approach to justice and rehabilitation, offering thousands the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
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