Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, in commemorating Africa Freedom Day, has exercised his prerogative of mercy on 1,505 inmates whose jail sentences have been pardoned.

Of the number, 708 inmates have been released, while 797 inmates had their sentences commuted to terminable sentences.

This is in accordance with Article 97 of the Constitution of Zambia, which provides for presidential pardon and substitution of severe punishments imposed on convicted persons.

President Hakainde Hichilema led senior government officials in laying wreaths at the freedom statue in honour of the heroes who lost their lives in the fight for the freedom of the African continent.

Members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Zambia also took turns to lay their wreaths, and the Zambia Defence brass band played dirges.

Speaking at the event about the pardon of prisoners, Hichilema urged the families of the former inmates to be receptive and not to discriminate against them.

He says if not accepted and neglected, the former inmates are swayed into a life of crime, as they tend to re-offend and go back to the correctional facility.

Africa Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.