Monrovia, Liberia – In commemoration of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has granted presidential clemency to 75 prisoners from the nation’s numerous penal facilities. The decision follows a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Justice, based on assessments conducted by the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) and the Human Rights Protection Division. The gesture of clemency reflects the President’s ongoing commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and compassion within Liberia’s correctional system.

The following inmates are eligible for pardons: those who have served more than half of their sentence for non-capital offenses and have behaved well; misdemeanor offenders who have served their sentences but are still behind bars because they are unable to pay restitution of no more than $2,000 USD; terminally ill inmates whose medical certification indicates that they have little chance of surviving past July 2025; elderly inmates (50 years of age and older) who have been convicted of non-capital offenses and have consistently good behavior; and felons who have no more than two years left on their expected date of release (EDR).
“We must embrace the values of mercy, dignity, and second chances as we celebrate our national independence,” President Boakaisaid in announcing the pardons.

He added that the act of clemency is a confirmation of our conviction that justice must be both strict and equitable and that there is still hope for redemption for those who are prepared to change. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice has been directed to help the pardoned individuals reintegration into society and to make sure that their release is handled in a compassionate and orderly way.
The President also gave the correctional facility some cash, 100 bags of rice and other food items. The government bigger objectives of criminal justice reform, prison system decency, and giving marginalized communities hope and dignity are all in line with this move, President Boakai stated.


Photo credit: Executive Mansion