Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby has pardoned opposition leader and former Prime Minister Success Masra, who has been imprisoned for more than a year on charges of inciting violence and complicity in murder.
The Chadian presidency announced the pardon on Friday, saying Masra would be released in the coming days after his lawyers submitted a request for clemency.
Masra was sentenced last year to 20 years in prison and fined one billion CFA francs, about $1.77 million. Human rights activists criticised the trial, arguing that the case was politically motivated.
The presidency said Masra would be released alongside eight other political figures who have also received pardons.
However, the pardons do not cancel the civil penalties imposed on the individuals, which will remain enforceable.
Masra has been one of the most prominent opposition figures in Chad, making his release a significant political development in the country.
