Accra, May 30, GNA - Libya has granted amnesty to a number of foreign nationals, including 59 Ghanaians, a statement signed by the Libyan Ambassador in Ghana, Mohamed T. Gamudi, said on Wednesday. It said the Supreme Council for Judiciary Services in Libya announced the decision on March 25, which affected prisoners whose sentences ranged between one and 15 years.

Those affected would be allowed to return to their countries to complete their prison terms.

The Embassy quoted a statement from the Department of Consular Affairs of the Foreign Liaison Bureau (Foreign Ministry) that the amnesty covered their remaining prison terms and quashes related penalties and fines as well as all other consequences of their offences. The offences include drug possession and trafficking, counterfeiting, prostitution and robbery.

The Embassy said the Libyan authorities did not wish to keep prisoners for long period and were negotiating with the countries whose nationals were involved to allow their imprisoned nationals to return to their countries of origin to serve their remaining terms, after which they could reintegrate into their societies as reformed persons.