President Ben Ali grants an amnesty to a number of prisoners

Tunis , July 24, 2007

On the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has decided to grant the presidential pardon to a number of prisoners.

The President of the Republic also decided to free under parole, prisoners who carried out a professional training in prison workshops and obtained diplomas in handicrafts.

The Head of State stressed the need to set up new mechanisms in view of helping the released prisoners find sources of income in order to facilitate their integration, while cautioning them and supporting them against risks of relapse.

These decisions were taken as President Ben Ali met on Tuesday with Mr Rafik Bel Haj Kacem, Minister of the Interior and Local Development and Mr Béchir Tekkari, Minister of Justice and Human Rights.

On the other hand, the Head of State received a report on the conclusions of the outcome of activities of the release on parole commission

President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was also briefed on the work of the Pardon Commission in charge of examining requests for rights' recovery.