Chad's president pardons main rival and opposition leader in jail

Chadian President President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno says it is a matter of pride and dignity

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Chad's presidency said in a statement that President Mahamat Idriss Déby has pardoned his main rival and opposition leader ‌Success Masra, who has been in jail for more than a year for inciting violence and complicity to murder.

Masra, a former prime minister, was sentenced to 20 years and ⁠fined 1 billion CFA francs ($1.77 million) last year in a trial that was criticised by human rights activists as politically motivated.
Masra will be released in the coming days, the statement said, after the presidency agreed to a request for a pardon submitted by his attorneys.
Masra was internationally recognised ‌as ⁠the most vocal figure in the opposition. He will be freed along with eight other political figures, the statement said.
"These nine individuals will be released as ⁠soon as the Ministry of Justice makes the necessary arrangements in the coming hours and days," the presidency ⁠said.
"They have been pardoned by the Head of State. However, the pardon does not waive ⁠the civil penalties, which remain enforceable."

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