DUSHANBE, November 1, 2014, Asia-Plus – According to the Main Department for Execution of Criminal Penalties of the Ministry of Justice of Tajikistan, an amnesty declared on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Tajikistan''s post-Soviet constitution on November 6, 1994 is expected to lead to the release of 3,500 convicts.

“The amnesty will also extend to 4,500 people awaiting legal proceedings in pretrial detention and serving their terms in penal colony settlements,” said an official source at the Main Department for Execution of Criminal Penalties.  “Besides, jail sentences of 2,000 convicts will be reduced.”

287 women and 58 minors will be released under the amnesty, the source noted.

Besides, all foreign citizens serving their jail terms in Tajik penal colonies, including 155 Afghans, 80 Uzbeks, 39 Russian, 31 Kyrgyz as well as nationals of Nigeria Turkey, Iraq, Iran and some other countries, will also be released.

We will recall that Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament pass the amnesty law on October 29.  The law is expected to apply to some 10,000 people.

Speaking at the Majlisi Namoyandagon session, Tajik Prosecutor-General Sherkhon Salimzoda noted that would not apply to those convicted of serious crimes.  “The law does not grant amnesty to those convicted of murder, rape, terrorism, espionage, and treason,” Tajik chief prosecutor noted.  The amnesty will also not apply to those convicted of a large-scale drug trafficking.

Prisoners eligible for release reportedly include those who are disabled, World War II veterans, military deserters, convicts over 55, women and minors, those suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses, and foreign nationals.  The amnesty will also apply to participants of political and armed conflicts in Tajikistan.

“112 prisoners suffering from cancer, TB and ischemic heart disease will be released under the 2014 amnesty,” Salimzoda said.

The amnesty will also be extended to prisoners, who were imprisoned for up to five years for crimes of inconsiderable or middle gravity or have served three-quarters of their terms – except for those found guilty of serious crimes.

The amnesty will also apply to those convicted of economic crimes if they repair damage, Tajik chief prosecutor stressed.

A previous amnesty law in 2011 granted freedom to 4,300 prisoners, reduced jail sentences for another 5,000 inmates, and dropped the charges against 5,000 accused.