Ilham Aliyev proposes pardoning 20,000 convicts

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has initiated the declaration of amnesty on the occasion of the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty", according to the head of state's website.

According to the draft amnesty act, it is envisaged to release from punishment or criminal liability persons who participated in combat operations to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including the Patriotic War and the anti-terror operation conducted in September, 2023, as well as close relatives of persons who were killed or went missing in these operations, persons who became disabled as a result of Armenia's military provocation against the civilian population, as well as women, persons who have reached the age of 60, minors at the time of committing the crime, and other persons.

In addition, the draft provides for the release from punishment or reduction of the unserved portion of sentences for a number of persons sentenced to imprisonment for crimes that do not pose a great public danger, less serious crimes, or crimes committed through negligence.

The amnesty act is projected to apply to more than 20,000 individuals.