Morocco's King Mohammed VI has granted royal pardon to 5,516 individuals on the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, which is commemorated annually on August 20.

The pardon includes 4,831 individuals who were convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in cases related to cannabis cultivation, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of Justice revealed the list of beneficiaries, which includes both detainees and those serving suspended sentences. The individuals convicted or prosecuted in cannabis cultivation cases were found to have met the necessary conditions to qualify for the royal pardon.

Beyond its humanitarian significance, this royal gesture aims to assist the beneficiaries in integrating into the new national strategy related to cannabis cultivation. This follows the establishment of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities. The pardon is expected to have a positive impact on the economic and social landscape of the affected provinces by promoting the industrialization, processing, and export of cannabis, as well as the import of cannabis products for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes. Additionally, it is expected to contribute to the development of alternative crops and non-agricultural activities.

The list of pardoned individuals includes those who have been released from the remainder of their prison sentences, those who had their prison terms reduced, and prisoners whose sentences were commuted from life imprisonment to fixed terms. Some convicts received pardons for their imprisonment terms while still being required to pay fines, while others had their fines canceled. In some cases, individuals received pardons for both imprisonment and fines. (ILKHA)