King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a pardon to 24,865 prisoners. Thirty-two death sentences have been commuted to lifelong imprisonment.

The pardons were announced on the eve of Throne Day. Each year on the anniversary of his coronation, the Moroccan monarch grants a pardon to hundreds or thousands of prisoners. This year is the tenth anniversary of his reign.
 

The government in Rabat says the king has released the prisoners for humanitarian reasons. They include more than 500 pregnant women and women with children.