Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been released from prison

Jacob Zuma, a former president of South Africa, is no longer imprisoned after serving a sentence for contempt of court.

An official from the nation's government revealed this in a statement on Friday.

Zuma received a 15-month term last year for disobeying orders to take part in a corruption investigation.

On July 7, 2021, he turned himself in to South African authorities to begin his prison term, sparking the worst violence the nation had seen in years as his angry followers poured into the streets.

According to Reuters, in response to his release, Zuma expressed relief and thanked his supporters.

"The messages of support on social media and other platforms kept me strong and focused on ensuring that those who wanted to break my spirit and resolve do not succeed,” Zuma said.

In September 2021, the former president was granted release because of a medical issue. However, the supreme court overturned the parole judgement in December and mandated that he be sent back to prison. While the appeal was ongoing, Zuma appealed the decision and continued to be on parole.

"Mr Zuma complied with his conditions for medical parole as set out during his placement,” the Correctional Services department said in a statement.

“All administrative processes have now been concluded and the sentence expiry date marks the end of him serving his sentence under community corrections.”

Source