24/12/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
President Boakai Grants Executive Clemency in Observance of the Holiday Season
December 24, 2025
Executive Mansion, Monrovia—President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has exercised his constitutional authority to grant Executive Clemency to a number of eligible inmates across the Republic of Liberia, in keeping with the law and in the spirit of reconciliation, mercy, and national healing during the holiday season.
The clemency, which takes immediate effect, includes pardons and commutations for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior, shown genuine remorse, and satisfied the eligibility criteria established by the relevant justice and corrections authorities. The decision follows a careful review of recommendations submitted through established legal and administrative processes.
President Boakai noted that the action reflects his Administration’s efforts to temper justice with compassion, particularly during the holiday season, a period that calls on Liberians to reflect on forgiveness, rehabilitation, and second chances.
“This act of clemency is not a negation of justice,” President Boakai said, adding, “Rather, it affirms our belief in rehabilitation, human dignity, and the possibility of reform. As a nation, we must continue to uphold the rule of law while recognizing the power of mercy to restore lives and strengthen families.”
For this clemency, the President granted pardons to seventy-two (72) individuals, comprising seventy (70) Liberian nationals and two (2) foreign nationals from the Republic of Guinea. The beneficiaries include seventy (70) males and two (2) females, among whom are two juveniles. All individuals were previously convicted of non-capital felony offenses.
In compiling this year’s list of recipients, careful consideration was given to several factors. Beneficiaries include inmates who have served more than fifty percent (50%) of their sentences, as well as individuals who had completed their prison terms but remained in custody due to outstanding restitution obligations involving relatively small amounts. Consideration was also extended to elderly inmates and those suffering from terminal illnesses.
The President emphasized that eligibility conditions were strictly applied. No inmate convicted of capital offenses or other notorious felonies was considered. All beneficiaries demonstrated exemplary conduct during their period of incarceration.
President Boakai urged the recipients of the clemency to seize this opportunity to live law-abiding lives and become productive contributors to national development, stressing that the privilege granted must be matched with responsibility and renewed commitment to peace and lawful conduct.
The Liberian Leader further expressed his Administration’s resolve to pursue reforms within the justice and corrections systems aimed at strengthening rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and ensuring fairness and efficiency in the administration of justice.
President Boakai also called on all Liberians to embrace the values of unity, forgiveness, and shared responsibility as the nation continues its journey toward lasting peace and inclusive development.
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