Azerbaijan begins largest amnesty in its history
Azerbaijan has launched what officials describe as the largest amnesty in the country’s history, beginning with the release of female inmates
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Azerbaijan has launched what officials describe as the largest amnesty in the country’s history, beginning with the release of female inmates from a women’s correctional facility in the capital.
Twenty-two women were freed on Thursday from Correctional Facility No. 4 under an amnesty act initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, officials said.
The releases were attended by Human Rights Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva and ruling party lawmaker Zahid Oruj, according to local media reports.
The amnesty applies to a broad range of individuals, including veterans of Azerbaijan’s Patriotic War and the September 19–20, 2023, anti-terror operation, relatives of soldiers who were killed or went missing, people disabled due to military provocations, women, prisoners aged 60 and older, and those who committed minor offenses as juveniles.
Under the law, eligible convicts convicted of less serious or non-dangerous crimes may be released, have their sentences reduced, or see their remaining prison terms shortened.
Authorities say the amnesty could affect more than 20,000 people nationwide.
More than 5,000 inmates are expected to be released, around 3,000 will receive reduced sentences, and thousands more will benefit from other legal measures. Full implementation of the amnesty is expected to take about four months.
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