ALGERIA: JUSTICE MINISTER THANKS LIBYAN LEADER FOR PARDONING PRISONERS

Minister of State for Justice and Keeper of the Seals Tayeb Belaiz has expressed Algeria's appreciation for Libyan Leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi's move, who granted a presidential pardon in favour of Algerian prisoners, state-owned Algerian radio reported.
Minister Belaiz said the Libyan leader's move was a noble initiative which reflects the excellent relations between the two countries.
“With regard to the first batch [released] in 2008, we must understand that pardon is not a right, and pardon has its conditions. He pardoned more than 30 Algerian prisoners. In the first semester of 2009, he also pardoned 38 Algerian prisoners. I believe this time he has pardoned 33 prisoners. It is worth recalling that most these prisoners were sentenced to death or for life in prison for committing very serious crimes such as drug smuggling. Despite all this he granted this pardon. In our view, this is a noble act”, Belaiz said.