ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northern Tigray regional state on Wednesday granted pardons for 957 prisoners ahead of the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, which starts on September 11.
Wolday Abreha, Head of Tigray regional state correctional office, said the prisoners were freed because they showed regret and met the requirements for pardon.
Abreha called on the freed prisoners to compensate the society for their crimes by engaging in developmental activities.
Prisoners convicted on corruption charges, illegal firearms trafficking and human trafficking were excluded from the clemency.
The East African country has also declared 10-day long nationwide celebrations, which started from September 1, 2017, to usher in the upcoming Ethiopian New Year.
The 10-day long nationwide celebrations include Love Day, Mothers' and Children's Day, Elders' Day, Peace Day, Reading Day, Green Development Day, Respect Day, National Feelings Day, Unity Day and Ethiopia Day.
