Yei River State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has released six inmates convicted of different minor offenses from Yei Central Prison on Tuesday, a local official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the state information minister, Moses Mawa said the move aimed at promoting human rights, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.

He said the six inmates were freed for showing good conduct in prison. “The governor released six prisoners who were about to complete their sentences. He [the governor] has the prerogative to release any one in prison with financial charges of not more than 10,000 SSP,” Mawa said.

He added, “Some of the inmates have been complying with the prison authorities and those released have been very humble”.

Separately, Mawa said the festive season celebrations were peaceful with no security threats reported in the state.

“The two celebrations went on peacefully and while marking the beginning of the New Year yesterday [Wednesday], many people from different communities organized cultural activities and were joined by government officials to celebrate at Yei Freedom Square,” he said.