17:40, 8 December 2012

The Parliament of Georgia approved a draft “On Amnesty” in first reading

A draft “On Amnesty” aimed at reduction of custody terms for women, the underage, persons who committed economic crimes and release of 190 political prisoners was adopted in first reading by the Georgian Parliament.

The draft was adopted at a plenary session of the Parliament by the majority of votes: 83 vs. 10. The parliamentary session was broadcasted live by “Rustavi-2” TV channel.

Besides reduction of custody terms for women, the underage, persons who committed economic crimes, the draft stipulates reduction of probation term to two or three years (probation term currently makes eight to nine years – Note by the “Caucasian Knot”). Persons convicted for taking drugs and those who committed less grave crimes will be included in the amnesty.

Oppositional deputies from “United National Movement” declared that they considered amnesty a “humane act” but objected to mass amnesty because they thought that it would cause a threat of aggravation of criminogenic situation.

Author: Inna Kukudzhanova

Source: CK correspondent