Turkmenistan frees over 3,700 prisoners in amnesty
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 27 August 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkmenistan frees over 3,700 prisoners in amnesty, 27 August 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e6f6829c.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 27, 2011
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has continued a tradition begun by his predecessor.
The Turkmen government has pardoned more than 3,700 prisoners, including around 30 foreigners, and released them from prison.
Announcing the amnesty, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov said on national television that "in Turkmenistan, we systematically pardon citizens of our own country and foreign states who have strayed, accepted their guilt and sincerely repented."
The latest amnesty comes shortly before the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and continues the practice begun by Berdymukhammedov's predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, of releasing large numbers of prisoners to mark significant dates.
Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
