Viana - At least five of the nine prisoners in the Viana prison, who benefited from the pardon granted by the President of the Republic to 150 Angolan citizens, were released on Monday.

The event marked the opening of the process in Luanda, where 20 prisoners from different institutions received release orders.

Among those released was journalist Carlos Alberto, who refused to speak to the press.

For administrative reasons, it was not possible to release the nine prisoners, but the remaining four will be released in the next few days.

Speaking to the press, Superintendent João Tchiteculo, spokesman for the Prison Service, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the freedom they have been granted.

The pardon granted by the Head of State aims to guarantee a climate of harmony, clemency, forbearance, concord, fraternity and patriotism, which will characterize the celebration of the 50th anniversary of national independence.

The measure is based on the completion of half of the sentence, good behavior and absence of social danger. FCC/HDC/VIC/TED