In response to President Peter Mutharika’s directive, Malawi Prison Services is analyzing its registry files to identify inmates that should be released on a presidential pardon.

The order is a direct response to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, decongesting of prisons is one of the measures.

In his new list of measures, President Mutharika has directed that all prisoners with petty offences and those who have served a significant portion of their sentences for moderate crimes must be released.

It also follows calls made by the Centre for Human Rights Education and Assistance to release such convicts in fear of their health as the virus continues to spread.