Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Grants Royal Pardons to 907 People on First Anniversary of Unity Day
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted royal pardons to 907 individuals convicted by Moroccan courts on the occasion of the first anniversary of Unity Day, which is celebrated annually on October 31, the Ministry of Justice announced on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the royal pardon covers 613 individuals currently serving prison sentences and 294 people who are not in custody. The beneficiaries have received various forms of clemency depending on the nature of their sentences.
Of the imprisoned beneficiaries, 17 inmates have been granted pardons covering the remainder of their prison terms, while the sentences of 595 others have been reduced. Additionally, one prisoner serving a life sentence has had the punishment commuted to a fixed-term prison sentence.
Among the 294 individuals not in custody, 72 have received pardons covering their prison sentences or the remaining portions of their terms. Nine others have been pardoned for their prison sentences while remaining liable for their fines, whereas 202 individuals have received pardons covering their financial penalties. Another 11 beneficiaries have been granted pardons covering both imprisonment and financial penalties.
The royal pardon coincides with Morocco’s preparations to celebrate the first anniversary of Unity Day, a national holiday established by King Mohammed VI in November 2025 following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara on October 31, 2025.
In a Royal Cabinet statement issued on November 4, 2025, King Mohammed VI designated October 31 as an annual national holiday under the name Aid Al Wahda (Unity Day), symbolizing Morocco’s national unity and territorial integrity.
The royal statement also established the occasion as an annual date for the Sovereign to grant royal pardons, making Friday’s announcement the first such clemency initiative associated with the newly established national celebration.
