CAIRO: Some 21 debtors have been released from prison on Wednesday, the Islamic New Year, the order of Minister of Interior Magdy Abdul Ghaffar, in order that they may repay their debts.
Pardons are often extended to some convicts on national holidays; 41 debtors were previously released for Eid al-Fitr.
In February, 41 women debtors were released from prison in Minya after having their debts, up to 1,200,000 EGP, paid for them, according to Youm7.
Only when debtors pay, or have their debts paid for them, or the person they owe pardons them, are they released from prison. Debtors may face up to a three years in prison, according to Article 376 in the Penal Code.