Following the completion of his prison term for contempt of court, former South African President Jacob Zuma was released, a government agency announced on Friday.
After refusing to comply with requests to take part in a corruption investigation, Zuma was given a 15-month term last year.
In order to begin his sentence, he turned himself in on July 7 of last year. As his enraged followers took to the streets, this led to the worst rioting South Africa has seen in years.
Zuma expressed his relief at becoming liberated in a statement 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,” he said.
In September 2021, Zuma received a medical parole release. However, the high court overturned the parole decision in December and mandated that he be sent back to prison. Zuma challenged the decision and was allowed to remain on parole pending the outcome.
