Independence Manifesto Day: King Mohammed VI Grants Pardons to 1,381 Individuals

Thursday 11 January 2024 - 08:15

In Morocco, the observance of national and religious holidays is accompanied by a longstanding tradition of royal pardons. Continuing this customary practice, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has bestowed a royal pardon upon 1,381 convicted individuals on the auspicious occasion of the nation's Independence Manifesto Day. The announcement was made by the Justice Ministry on Wednesday, heralding a momentous gesture of clemency.

Today, the Moroccan people commemorate the anniversary of the Manifesto of Independence, an event that holds great significance in the country's history and is celebrated as a national holiday. In light of this momentous occasion, the Ministry revealed that the beneficiaries of these royal pardons include 234 detainees who have been granted release from their remaining prison or confinement sentences. Additionally, 959 incarcerated individuals have had their prison terms significantly reduced, constituting a remarkable display of mercy and compassion.

Notably, among the acts of clemency, five prisoners serving life sentences have been granted reprieve, with their sentences being commuted to limited prison terms. Furthermore, 48 prisoners have been granted pardons, entailing either a reduction in their imprisonment duration or release from their remaining prison sentences. Additionally, nine incarcerated individuals have received pardons pertaining to their imprisonment terms, albeit with their fines being upheld.

The royal pardons have also encompassed the annulment of fines for 111 convicted individuals. Moreover, 15 others have been granted pardons pertaining to both their prison terms and fines, further underscoring the breadth of mercy extended by His Majesty.

In Morocco, the bestowal of royal pardons has been a longstanding tradition during religious and national holidays. Today's events honor the anniversary of the signing of the Manifesto of Independence in 1944, an act that came to symbolize a pivotal moment in Moroccan history. Crafted by members of the Moroccan National Movement, the manifesto boldly called for the nation's complete independence and the reclamation of sovereignty over territories occupied by foreign powers.

On the historic day of January 11, 1944, numerous Moroccan nationalists affixed their signatures to this transformative document. By doing so, they issued a resounding proclamation, asserting the nation's unwavering determination to secure its full autonomy and liberate itself from the shackles of French and Spanish colonization. This seminal manifesto, forged through consultations with the late Sultan Mohammed V, the esteemed grandfather of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, not only encapsulated Morocco's fervent desire for independence but also served as a testament to the profound bond between the monarchy and its people.

As Independence Manifesto Day dawns upon Morocco once again, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has chosen to honor this historic occasion by extending mercy to those in need. This compassionate act undoubtedly reflects the enduring spirit of the manifesto's signatories and reaffirms the nation's commitment to safeguarding its right to exercise national sovereignty.