Pardon – a chance for a new life. What’s next?
2009-11-03 16:54 As a result of the amnesty declared by the president of the country four persons convicted of the murder of Sandro Girgviliani, a bank clerk, were released. Remarkably, before the previous amnesty in March 2009 their sentence was abridged making the opposition rise in indignation. But in September four Interior Ministry officers - Alania, Bibiluridze, Gachava and Aptsiauri - were set free on parole. The opposition organized a protest action in condemnation.Less than a month had passed as the ruling majority started planning a new amnesty. Generally speaking they have good things to state: why should young people (who are sick and committed no crime) be kept in prison? No matter what changes the penitentiary system can undergo this kind of punishment will hardly be good to anyone.
Besides, as we have already mentioned, there will be less criticism against the authorities. Ex ombudsman Sozar Subari expressed his resentment recently: "The pardon policy Saakashvili is pursuing is wrongful. There are people who serve their terms for having stolen 2 laris or 2 kg of aluminum but the president refuses to set them free considering them dangerous for the society".
International monitors observe that after Mikheil Saakashvili's advent to presidency in 2003 the number of prisoners has increased 2.5 times. Law-enforcement bodies are a source of pride of the young revolutionary president who managed to create the police force that doesn't take bribes and helps business people get rid of "criminal protection".
There is another question: if now drug addicts are released who expect for the authorities that will score more political points will gain? Will the state be in charge of their adaptation to the society?
This is what GeorgiaTimes correspondent was discussing with Elene Tevdoradze, a rights defender, deputy state minister for reintegration.
- This is not the first amnesty that's been held. Last year the pardon was more large-scale with one of its part being the article on drug addicts. Now the prisons are packed with people convicted on part 1 of art. 260 of the Criminal Code. These are people who use minor quantities of drugs. So I'm positive about cutting their sentence.
They have to be provided with medical help, and not taken to prison where they will be psychologically wounded.
- And does the parliament set aside funds to cure them? - I ask.
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