Kyrgyz President Announces Amnesty

21 April 2004 -- Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev has declared an amnesty to mark the 10th anniversary of the country's constitution and the 2,200th anniversary of Kyrgyz statehood.

Presidential spokesman Dosali Esenaliev said Akaev, currently on a state visit to Japan, signed the amnesty on 10 April.

The head of Akaev's legal department, Anarbek Ismailov, said the amnesty will apply to women over 58 years old, men over 65, and those whose offenses are considered minor.

(AP)