President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday pardoned 71 inmates who were serving different sentences.
In a decree read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir pardoned 36 inmates on death row and 35 inmates who failed to pay compensations or fines.
He ordered prison authorities to execute the order accordingly.
No reasons were given by the head of state for the pardon but earlier in the day President Kiir received and met with the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Rev Iain Greenshields.
The inmates on death row who were pardoned are;
- Paul Pitya Ladu
- Moses Ohiti Lowa
- Abrahman Marino Lawrence
- Wilson Elias Mope
- Serjina Wani Tombe
- John Kute Okenyi
- Juma Lorichok Loporinga
- Fiden Frugonibe
- Fortonaso Kisiano Naigba
- Majak Gang Majak
- Charles Otien Yaweri
- Angu Awuoi Angui
- Alfred Gabriel Tong
- Martin Dak Othwol
- Abdallah Sogar Ahmed
- Cosmas Aiomani Mope
- Gordon Mangar Nhial
- Aguek Mou Aken
- Cosmas Wala Jakibula
- Moses Tongun Laku
- Garbino Jagwer Nyambur
- Joseph Lagu Gore
- James Ladu Gabu
- Francis Tongun Gabriel
- Mudesir Khalifa Ismail
- David Loro Wani
- Amal Oporo Orwanaga
- Martin Ohisa Kwato
- Samuel Richard Zacharia
- Simon Samuel Paka
- Repent Ezbon Benjamin
- Stephen Kenyi Erkima
- Albino Lokoleng Lokobas
- Joyce Simon Wani
- Nakujet Amera Kangole
- Santino Laku Marial
Inmates sentenced to pay fine or compensation
- Andria Chol Lat
- John Samuel Lojom
- Wani Enisiose Erkanjelo
- Nakoi Geoffrey Simon
- John Lat Makoi
- Ring Acuil Majok
- Nyar Tong Yai
- Comboni Atanasio
- Sabri Khamis
- James Ladu Wani
- Nhial Mabior Nhial
- Kazi Agustino Makario
- Junag Nyapoth
- Kaziwa Nyakiyoko
- Philip Sebit Ladu
- Garbino Deri Bero
- Achol Garang Ayei
- Kon Isaac Chol
- Loki Anyei Ajik
- Sabir Michael Bakhit
- Sunday Alayim Majing
- Martin Tong Majak
- David Morris Pitia
- Abdrahman Asaballah
- Adut Deng Mayik
- Flex Yogu Zachariah
- Lobojo Simon Duku
- Maturu Deng Mapor
- George John Francis
- Kaziwa Marol
- Rehmus Wilson Thomas
- Lingco Anguei Makur
- Sunday Samuel Juma
- Samuel Malong Biel
- Dominic Arkanjelo