Oman's ruler pardons 98 prisoners

Muscat: A total of 98 prisoners were pardoned on Monday in a gesture by Oman's ruler, Sultan Qaboos, to mark Eid Al Fitr.

Benefiting from the act of clemency are 64 Omanis and 34 expatriates of different nationalities who were undergoing prison terms for various crimes.

Pardons are a customary gesture on the occasion of Eid as well as other important national events in the sultanate.

In a statement, the official Oman News Agency said the gesture was in consideration of the reformed behaviour demonstrated by the prisoners in question, as well as their family and social circumstances.