An official at the General Administration of Prisons said that approximately 10,000 offenders would be eligible for release under the Royal Pardon issued on the occasion of Crown Prince Sultan's full recovery from medical treatment and return to the Kingdom. The pardon, which applies to Saudis and non-Saudis who are considered not to pose a threat to public order and whose charges are still being heard by courts, was announced Friday on behalf of the King by Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior. According to the General Administration of Prisons official the order came into effect Sunday and procedures had begun to release those eligible and to work with Prisoner Care officials to provide the released with employment. “The pardon does not include offenses liable for Shariah punishments or private law suits,” the official added.
