Azernews.Az

By Laman Sadigova

The Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijan’s Justice Ministry has started implementing the presidential decree on pardon signed on December 28.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree on pardon in connection with the upcoming World Azerbaijani’s Solidarity Day and the New Year.

Media representatives and human rights advocates have visited penal institutions to observe the execution of the presidential order.

Azerbaijani MP Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, commenting on the decree voiced her joy. "We received yesterday's pardon decree of President Ilham Aliyev with a great joy. 210 people, as well as their family members and relatives have received a great gift for the upcoming holidays. This is another humane step of the country and Azerbaijani leader," she said.

She added that all those, who got the second chance, should appreciate it and use it in right directions.

The Decree said the decision on pardon was made after considering appeals to the President by a number of detained persons, their families, the commissioner for human rights, the human rights organizations, taking into account the personality, health status, family status of the prisoners, their behavior in the places of confinement, and being guided by the principles of humanism.

The act covers 210 people. 198 imprisoned people are exempted from serving the remainder of their sentences, three are exempted from serving the remainder of corrective labor, and nine are exempted from fine penalties. Among those pardoned 18 are foreign nationals.

Today, pardons are granted in many countries when individuals have demonstrated that they have fulfilled their debt to society, or are otherwise considered to deserve. The “mercy” gives people one more chance to become a part of society. The trust given to people may encourage them to believe in themselves and help them to rehabilitate.

---

Follow Laman Sadigova on Twitter: @s_laman93

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz