Revolution of the King and the People: King Mohammed VI Pardons 653 People

Moroccan King Mohamed VI has pardoned 653 individuals on the occasion of the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, a day when Moroccans commemorate the nation’s heroic struggle against colonialism and for independence, as well as the unbreakable union between the monarchy and the people.

The list of those who have benefited from royal pardon this year, which is customary during national and religious celebrations in Morocco, was released by the Ministry of Justice.

The pardon included 464 people currently in detention, five of whom received a pardon on the remainder of their prison sentences. Four others had their life sentences commuted to fixed terms.

Another 455 benefited from a reduction of their sentences.

The pardon included 173 people who are currently free, including 30 who had their prison sentences pardoned.

Another 10 had their prison sentence pardoned but maintained a financial fine penalty.

Meanwhile, 126 people received a pardon on their fine, while seven benefited from a pardon on their prison sentence and their fine

Additionally, 16 people who were convicted in cases of extremism and terrorism also benefited from the pardon after “after officially expressing their attachment to the unwavering and sacred constants of the Nation and national institutions, revising their ideological orientations and rejecting extremism and terrorism,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice.

These included eight inmates who were pardoned over their remaining prison terms, seven who had their prison terms reduced, and one who had his prison time and fine annulled.

Royal pardons are a usual part of celebrations of national and religious holidays in Morocco, as are speeches by King Mohammed VI. However, this year, as announced by the Royal Palace in a communiqué at the end of June, the monarch will not address the nation in a speech.

The reason for the cancellation, according to the royal note, is that this holiday comes a few days after the Throne Day speech, which was held on 30 July, and before Parliament’s new legislative year, when he also addresses the people. The monarch’s speeches are particularly important as they define the guidelines for the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policy.