(TELESUR) – Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi signed an edict Wednesday effectively pardoning some 700 political prisoners in the process.
The newly elected DRC leader made the promise to free the political opponents imprisoned, who were imprisoned by ex-President Joseph Kabila, during his inauguration address in January.
“I will actively work to create the conditions for the early return of compatriots who are currently outside the country for political reasons to carry out their activities in accordance with the law and republican institutions,” Tshisekedi said according to Africanews, also agreeing to allow political exiles to return home to the country.
Among high-profile prisoners who received pardons are Firmin Yangambi, who has served 19 years of a 20-year sentence; opposition leader Franck Diongo, who was sentenced to five years; and Diomi Ndongala, according to the Associated Press.
The charges included insurrection against the Congolese state.
