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Hidden Debts: Convicts Could Be Released by Presidential Pardon

Hidden Debts: Convicts Could Be Released by Presidential Pardon

The 11 people convicted in the emblematic hidden debts case could be released thanks to the presidential pardon announced last Thursday (19) by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. The announcement was made during the Communication to the Nation, as part of the exceptional Christmas pardon measure, which covers 1119 prisoners across the country.

According to the newspaper O País, among those pardoned, 919 prisoners have served half of their sentences or have been sentenced to up to one year in prison. One prisoner received the benefit due to a serious illness. According to the President, ‘this is the group of our compatriots who fulfil the necessary requirements to benefit from this exceptional measure’.

Those convicted in the case of the hidden debts were sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison. Among them, António Carlos do Rosário, Gregório Leão, Armando Ndambi Guebuza, Teófilo Nhangumele, Bruno Langa and Manuel Renato Matisse received 12-year sentences. Angela Leão, Fabião Mabunda, Inês Moiane and Sérgio Namburete were sentenced to 11 years, while Cipriano Mutota was sentenced to 10 years.

Although some convicts have already served half their sentence, the pardon is not automatic. Their release depends on an assessment carried out by each prison to check that the requirements have been met.

Although the presidential decision has been announced, the release of the pardoned was scheduled for 22 December, but was postponed to 23 December due to the lack of official publication in the Official Gazette. Ceremonies to formalise the pardon are scheduled to take place in prisons across the country.

The case of the hidden debts, one of the most publicised in Mozambique’s recent history, involved millions in financial embezzlement and generated strong political and social repercussions. The possible release of those convicted by pardon is seen as a controversial measure, even within the legal framework of presidential pardons.

While they await the final decision, the case, still under appeal in the Supreme Court, has not become final, leaving the future of those involved dependent on legal and administrative analyses.

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