President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has pardoned 222 prisoners and approved a general amnesty reducing sentences for thousands more as part of the 2025 Christmas and New Year festive season.
According to Malawi Prison Services Spokesperson Steve Meke, the decision, made under Section 89(2) of the Constitution, is intended to decongest prisons while offering eligible inmates an opportunity to reintegrate into society.
Meke told Nthanda Times that those pardoned include elderly inmates, women and the chronically ill who met established guidelines for clemency.
“Those pardoned include the elderly, females and the chronically ill, but it has to be stressed that these have met the requirements of the guidelines for the granting of pardon to convicted prisoners,” he said.
In addition to the pardons, Meke said the president granted a general amnesty to prisoners serving determinate sentences, excluding repeat offenders and those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, human trafficking, robbery with violence, defilement and arson.
Under the amnesty, eligible prisoners will have their sentences reduced by nine months, a move prison authorities say will cut the national prison population by about 15%.
“This is very significant in as far as decongesting prisons is concerned,” Meke said.
Malawi’s prisons have long struggled with overcrowding, which authorities say affects rehabilitation efforts, health conditions and overall safety in correctional facilities.
Meanwhile , the MPS has appealed to inmates released under the pardon to use the opportunity to rebuild their lives and avoid reoffending.
He also urged prisoners still serving custodial sentences to maintain discipline and good conduct, saying behavior remains critical in correctional management and future considerations for clemency.
“Our message to those inmates who have been pardoned is that they should take this as a second chance to reorganize themselves so that they reintegrate successfully in their respective communities.
“To those inmates who are still serving right now in our prisons, we would like to urge them that good behavior is of paramount importance,” Meke said.
The Malawi Prison Services further called on communities to support former inmates as they return home, stressing that acceptance and assistance are essential for successful reintegration.
The festive-season clemency is part of broader efforts by authorities to balance public safety with rehabilitation while addressing chronic prison overcrowding in Malawi.