Zambian president pardons 283 prisoners

ANKARA

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has pardoned 283 prisoners to mark 55 years of the country's independence, a government official announced late Thursday.

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo said 245 are men and 38 women, according to the Lusaka Times.

Zambia gained its independence on Oct. 24, 1964 from the United Kingdom.