Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby has pardoned opposition leader and former prime minister Succes Masra, who had been imprisoned for more than a year on charges including inciting violence and complicity in murder, according to a statement from the presidency.
Masra to be released after presidential pardon
Masra was sentenced last year to 20 years in prison and fined 1 billion CFA francs ($1.77 million) following a trial that human rights activists criticized as politically motivated.
The presidency said Masra will be released in the coming days after authorities approved a pardon request submitted by his legal team.
Masra, who was internationally recognized as one of the most prominent opposition figures in Chad, will be freed alongside eight other political figures, according to the statement.
Pardon does not remove civil penalties
The presidency said the nine individuals will be released once the Ministry of Justice completes the required procedures in the coming hours and days.
Officials clarified that while the individuals have received a presidential pardon, the decision does not cancel the civil penalties associated with their convictions, which remain enforceable.
