United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan ordered the release of prisoners convicted on terrorism and extremism charges on the occasion of the al-Adha holiday. UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said the decision reflects Sheikh Khalifa’s keenness to give everyone a second chance to reintegrate into the community. “Even if they had made a mistake and deviated from the right path, once they have returned to the correct path, their homeland welcomes them with open arms,” he stressed. “We hope they will serve their society and follow the laws, thriving for a better future.” “This generous act will give prisoners the inspiration and hope to acquire such pardons, and will motivate them to reject destructive ideas and ideologies and become good citizens, to be reintegrated into the Emirati community,” said Shamsi while urging the released prisoners to become good and committed members of the society and help achieve community development. Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 669 prisoners – serving various sentences. He also pledged to settle the financial obligations of the released prisoners.