Angolan President Joao Lourenco has pardoned Jose Filomeno dos Santos, son of late former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
Dos Santos Jr., who was serving a five-year prison sentence for embezzlement and fraud, is among 50 prisoners granted amnesty.
A decree posted on Facebook cited “good behavior” and a lack of “social danger” as reasons for their release.
The decision coincides with Angola’s upcoming 50th anniversary of independence, aimed at fostering national unity and reconciliation.
Jose Filomeno was convicted in 2020 for transferring $500 million from Angola’s national bank to a UK account.
This marked Angola’s first significant corruption conviction since President Lourenco took office in 2017.
Among others sentenced in the case was the former governor of Angola’s national bank, accused of aiding the fraud.
The pardon is seen as a gesture of leniency, highlighting a balance between justice and clemency in Angola’s evolving democracy.
The late Jose Eduardo dos Santos ruled Angola for 38 years, during which his family held vast political and economic influence.
In a related development, the UK sanctioned Isabel dos Santos, the late leader’s daughter, for alleged large-scale embezzlement.
She reportedly misused her roles in state-run companies to divert $443 million, hindering Angola’s economic progress.
The Dos Santos family, facing mounting allegations, claims these actions are politically motivated and constitute a “witch hunt.”
Observers view these events as pivotal in Angola’s efforts to combat corruption and reshape its national identity.
