Georgian President Issues Pardons

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has pardoned 168 prisoners.

State Commission on Clemency Chairman Zviad Koridze told journalists in Tbilisi on October 27 that 114 of the pardoned prisoners will walk free today, and the rest will have their prison terms reduced.

Koridze added that six of the pardoned convicts were women.

Koridze's commission proposed the amnesties after its October 15-18 session. The 10-member commission meets regularly to consider appeals for clemency from prisoners. Those convicted of premeditated murder are not eligible for pardons.

In March, Margvelashvili pardoned 155 prisoners on the commission's recommendation.

Based on reporting by Apsny.ge and Interfax