N’DJAMENA, Chad
Several former rebels in Chad regained their freedom Tuesday under an amnesty law decreed last year by transitional officials, according to authorities.
Twenty-two
inmates who were condemned for treason were released from Klessoum prison near
the capital, N'djamena, said Justice Minister Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo.
The
law was put in place to benefit those convicted of acts of rebellion, with
nearly 300 rebels and political dissidents granted amnesty.
Alhabo
said the objective of a conviction was to allow the detainee to reflect on the
crime and to change his behavior with a view to a dignified, responsible and
civic social reintegration.
The
implementation of measures for the remission of sentences, pardons and
amnesties, constitute a new vision of the highest authorities to contribute to
social peace and the establishment of impartial, fair and accessible justice
for all, he said.
He
said forgiveness guarantees the restoration of trust between the sons and
daughters of Chad and of the social peace demanded.
Besides
those convicted of rebellion, instructions have been given to the presidents of
the courts of appeal to proceed with the release of detainees who remained for
a long time without trial or without having appeared before a judge, according
to the minister.
The
release of political prisoners was a key demand by opposition groups invited to
join a forum on Chad's future.
The
release of detainees would facilitate their participation in an inclusive
national dialogue announced for mid-February and which should facilitate
preparation for the end of the transition.
Mahamat
Idriss Deby assumed power after his father Idriss Deby Itno was killed on the
frontlines.
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