THE National Parole Board has approved the release of 118 out of 132 prisoners, granting pardons for various offences for which they were convicted, while 14 shortlisted prisoners did not meet the required criteria.

Ambassador Khamis Kagasheki, the parole board chairman, made this observation at the 52nd board meeting taking place across a couple of days, affirming that the prisoners eligible for parole had served a portion of their sentences as mandated by law.

“This meeting reviewed 132 cases, of which 118 were approved for pardon. However, this is a decision made by the board, and final approval rests with the Minister for Home Affairs, who holds the authority to make final determination,” he stated.

Just 14 of the cases reviewed did not meet the required criteria, leading the board to conclude that 118 prisoners met the necessary conditions, he specified.

“These decisions did not originate with us. They have passed through the prison, regional and national levels before reaching the board. Ultimately, we will forward them to the minister, who, if he approves, will send the names to lower levels for further action,” he elaborated.

Jeremiah Katungu, the commissioner general, stated that the primary task was to discuss parole recommendations submitted from local to national levels, with good conduct being prioritised in the criteria.

The parole system has achieved significant success within the prison service and across the nation, he declared, highlighting the view that the system provides prisoners with an opportunity to serve part of their sentence within the community.

This enables the prison administration to engage the public in the vital rehabilitation process, including behavioural correction while outside prison he remarked.

The community needs to support released prisoners to adhere to the law, which would enable them to fulfil their family and national responsibilities and contribute to societal progress, he added.