Liberian President Joseph Boakai has granted presidential pardons and commutations to 72 prisoners as part of the country’s holiday-season clemency measures, according to a statement issued from the Executive Mansion in Monrovia on December 24.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, covers inmates who met strict eligibility requirements, including good conduct and demonstrated remorse. Beneficiaries include 70 Liberians and two Guinean nationals, made up of 70 men and two women, among them two minors.
All were convicted of non-capital offenses, with some having served more than half of their sentences and others remaining in detention over modest restitution obligations, while elderly and terminally ill inmates were also considered.
The presidency stressed that the measure does not extend to individuals convicted of serious or notorious crimes and followed recommendations from judicial and prison authorities under established legal procedures.
President Boakai urged those released to obey the law and contribute positively to national development, underscoring that clemency carries responsibility and respect for peace.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming Liberia’s justice and penitentiary systems, with a focus on rehabilitation, fairness, and reducing repeat offenses.
