The juvenile deliquents pardoned had been found guilty of rape, defilement, drug abuse and sale among other crimes.
The oldest of the 16 children pardoned was born in 1998 with the youngest having been born in 2003.
Of twelve who sat for National Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), four passed with grade I, eight in grade two, one in grade one and three ‘O’ level candidates in grade two.
The children were officially released from jail this Thursday, January 17th in an event held at Nyagatare Juvenile Prison. They were accompanied by their parents. They will now continue their secondary studies out of prison.
Salma Uwamahoro, 17, had been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after she was convicted of terrorism. A resident of Kamembe Sector, Rusizi District, Uwamahoro had served only two years of her sentence.
After her release, Uwamahoro said it is a very joyous day to her and commended the Government of Rwanda for having given chances to juvenile prisoners to have access to education while in prison.
She said her release is an opportunity she will never take for granted and will study hard.
Last year President Kagame also exercised his prerogative of mercy to grant early release of 18 juvenile deliquents who had sat for both PLE and O’ level exams and passed well.
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