About 256 Death row Convicts in Tanzania have become lucky after their death sentences were relaxed to at least life imprisonment. They will simply not be hanged or put to the gallows- the last execution was carried out in 1994.
President John Pombe Magufuli gave these death row convicts a gift as part of marking 59th Independence of the United Republic of the People of Tanzania. In total the sentences of 3,316 inmates were reduced by the President.
'In the past five years of my leadership, I was supposed to execute 256 convicts who were handed death sentence. However, I could not sign for their death and therefore Iam changing their sentences to Life imprisonment,' Magufuli said during a swearing-in of his new cabinet.
Magufuli also ordered the Home Affairs Ministry to work on his decision by observing all the required rules and procedures and ensuring the inmates are engaged in productive activities.
'Some of these inmates were sentenced to death for killing two or three people; the law requires the president to execute 256 who will have committed the worst sin? The one who killed one person or me who executed all these 256 inmates?' Magufuli wondered.
Magufuli also said that some of the inmates were convicted of minor offences while others are left with only a few days to complete their sentences…  'based on the recommendations presented by the commissioner General of prisons I have agreed to reduce their sentences, others must be released under given legal procedures,' he said.
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Source : https://taarifa.rw/president-magufuli-refuses-to-execute-256-death-row-convicts/
