The Social Protection Sector at the ministry prepared the list of prisoners to be pardoned on Sinai Liberation Day and Eid El-Fitr in accordance with a presidential pardon decree issued by President El-Sisi in mid-April.

The Eid El-Fitr presidential pardon comes two weeks after the release of 3,273 prisoners by presidential decree on the occasion of Sinai Liberation Day.

Egyptian presidents traditionally issue pardons several times a year, usually on major national and religious holidays.

Last week, President El-Sisi ordered the reactivation of the presidential pardon committee that studies the possibility of releasing inmates imprisoned in non-terrorism-related crimes.

The committee was first formed in October 2016 and facilitated the release of hundreds of prisoners via presidential pardon at the time.

Last week, the prosecution also released 41 pretrial detainees, including many activists.