Tanzanian President John Magufuli has ordered for the release of over 5,000 prisoners as the country celebrated 58th Independence Day.
Magufuli asked authorities to ensure those listed are released on Tuesday, having proved that they have changed.
According to Magufuli, the country is unable to hold over 35,000 prisoners (17,000 convicts and 18, 000 persons in remand) due to space.
Those released include those who have only served a day to the ones with less than a year before the completion of their incarceration.
According to him, those lucky are the ones who were convicted of minor offences like chicken theft and use of abusive language.
“Most prisoners are serving jail terms over minor offences such as chicken theft, using abusive language against others, failure to hire good advocates and failure to pay fines,” President Magufuli said.
“Therefore, I pardon a total of 5,533 prisoners," added Magufuli, who is serving his first term as President.
During the Union Day in March, Magufuli also ordered for the release of 3,500 prisoners who had also been convicted of minor offences.
Magufuli has been battling accusations of violation of human rights and alleged dictatorship, a claim he has often denied.