KING Mohammed VI of Morocco has declared an amnesty for 46212 prisoners, in one of his first major actions after succeeding his late father, King Hassan II more than a week ago. Nearly 8000 of the prisoners will be released immediately. According to the minister of justice, Omar Azziman, the sentences of the other prisoners will be reduced by between two months and three. Among those pardoned were the sick, disabled, elderly, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young people who had improved their behaviour. The late King Hassan II used to free prisoners during religious or national festivals.