Coronavirus: Somali President Farmajo pardons 148 prisoners

Somali President Mohamed Farmajo on Thursday pardoned 148 prisoners, a gesture made to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Farmajo said the decision to release the prisoners followed a report by the country’s attorney general.

He invoked Article 90 of the Provisional Constitution.

It grants him powers to pardon prisoners who are not serving sentences for serious crimes.

He further directed prison authorities and the Ministry of Health to prevent health risks for the remaining inmates.

At present, Somalia has five coronavirus cases, made up of three Somalis and two foreigners.