Amnesty Granted: Granting remission and pardon

The National Defense and Security Council granted remission and pardon to a total of 724 prisoners who had been clearly convicted under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and were serving sentences in various prisons, detention centers, and labor camps under Section 401, Sub-section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The measures aims to ensure that the entire population can successfully move toward a multi-party democracy system desired by all the people. In doing so, it has set goals to enable these processes to be carried out effectively through the cooperation of the public.

The Council also aims to ensure that all eligible voters do not lose their right to vote and are able to cast their ballots freely and fairly in the upcoming multi-party democracy general election. This release is granted under the condition that “if they commit another offense in the future, they will be required to serve not only the new sentence but also the remaining portion of the previous sentence.”

Likewise, a total of 2,361 prisoners who had been clearly convicted under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and were serving their sentences in various prisons, detention centers and labor camps have been granted remission and released from the remaining portions of their sentences under Section 401, Sub-section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Similarly, the Council has ordered the closure of ongoing cases against 5,580 individuals who had been prosecuted either under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code or under Section 512 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for evading arrest after committing such offenses.

In accordance with Section 427 of the Constitution, these individuals are to be released from their cases. The government has provided the prisoners with social and health standards in line with the human rights norms. It is reported that their parents and relatives welcomed them with joy upon their release.