Morocco's King Pardons 634 People, Including 15 Convicted of Terrorism
Listen to the story
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to 634 people, according to a report from the country.
A royal pardon means the king officially forgives someone for a crime. The person does not have to finish their sentence.
Among the 634 people, 15 had been convicted of what courts described as extremism and terrorism.
This is not the first time the king has pardoned people convicted of such crimes. The report mentions that other similar pardons have happened before.
Morocco's king has the power to give pardons at any time, but they are often announced around special national or religious occasions.
A pardon does not mean the person is innocent. It simply means the punishment is cancelled or reduced.
The report does not give details about who the 634 people are or what crimes most of them committed.
It also does not explain why the king decided to pardon these particular people at this time.
Royal pardons are a normal part of political life in Morocco. Kings have used this power for many years.
Some people welcome these pardons because they can help reintegrate former prisoners into society.
Others are more cautious, especially when people convicted of terrorism are included in the pardon.
No further reaction from Moroccan officials or citizens is included in this report.
Vocabulary8 words
- granted
- given officially by someone with power
- sentence
- the punishment a court gives to someone
- convicted
- found guilty of a crime by a court
- innocent
- not guilty of a crime
- reintegrate
- to help someone become part of normal life again
- extremism
- very strong and dangerous beliefs, often violent
- terrorism
- violent acts done to frighten people or a government
- pardon
- an official decision to cancel someone's punishment
Quiz
Answer key
1. He pardoned 634 people 2. Extremism and terrorism 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has _____ a royal pardon to 634 people.
A royal pardon means the king officially forgives someone for a _____.
Among the 634 people, 15 had been _____ of what courts described as extremism and terrorism.
This is not the first time the king has _____ people convicted of such crimes.
A pardon does not mean the person is _____.
Royal pardons are a normal part of political life in _____.
Some people welcome these pardons because they can help _____ former prisoners into society.
No further reaction from Moroccan _____ or citizens is included in this report.