10 Filipino convicts pardoned in Qatar

Ten Filipinos jailed in Qatar have been pardoned by the Qatar’s Emir on the occasion of the Qatar National Day, the Philippine Embassy in Doha announced on Thursday night.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, extended the clemency to the 10 Filipinos, nine men and a woman, as Qatar celebrated its 18th National Day on Dec. 18.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Emir usually issues pardons twice a year, the other during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Those granted clemency are often those who have already served a substantial portion of their sentences,” the DFA said.

The Philippine Embassy in Doha is now in the process of facilitating the repatriation of the OFWs in coordination with the search and follow-up department under the Ministry of Interior of the Qatar government.