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Pardoned Turkmen Inmates Rejoining Their Families


Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov
ASHGABAT, February 19, 2009 (RFE/RL) -- Hundreds of prison inmates released from Turkmen prisons after a presidential amnesty are rejoining their families around the country on February 19, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports.

The amnesty is in recognition of National Flag Day on February 19 and was announced by Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov on February 16.

Some released prisoners told RFE/RL's Turkmen Service about the improved medical service they experienced in prisons.

Some inmates were released from prison hospitals where they had been treated for tuberculosis.

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