In accordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the commencement of procedures for granting amnesty to male and female inmates convicted in public rights cases. This generous royal gesture, a long-standing annual tradition, aims to give those who have erred a new opportunity to return to their normal lives, contribute to building their society, and reunite with their families and loved ones.
General context and historical background
Royal pardons are a significant humanitarian and social tradition in Saudi Arabia, often granted on major religious and national occasions, most notably the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This tradition embodies the values of tolerance and mercy inherent in Islamic law, which forms the basis of the Kingdom's judicial system. The system distinguishes between "public rights," the right of the state and society to punish, and "private rights," the rights of individuals harmed by a crime. A royal pardon primarily focuses on waiving the public right, while the private right remains and can only be waived by the victim's own waiver, thus ensuring that the rights of victims are not lost.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, this decision carries profound humanitarian and social dimensions. It gives thousands of families the opportunity to reunite, thus strengthening family stability and social cohesion. It also provides those pardoned with a valuable chance to reflect on their actions and correct their course, enabling them to become productive and contributing members of society. Economically, the pardon helps alleviate the burden on correctional and rehabilitation institutions, allowing those released to reintegrate into the labor market and contribute to the development process. This step aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and enhancing human development.
On this occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them – for their care and attention to the inmates and their commitment to their reintegration into society. His Highness emphasized that this compassionate and humanitarian gesture will have a profound impact on the beneficiaries upon their release and reunion with their families. The Minister of Interior directed all relevant authorities to take the necessary measures to expedite the implementation of the Royal Decree and ensure that this generous gesture reaches those entitled to it as quickly as possible.
