Azerbaijan launches ‘largest ever’ amnesty

Azerbaijan has begun implementing the parliamentary decision to declare an amnesty in connection with the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty. The measure is based on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s initiative to announce an amnesty on Dec. 19.

According to the preliminary list under the amnesty law, around 5,000 people will be released, and the sentences of more than 3,000 others will be reduced by six months. In addition, the amnesty will apply to more than 10,000 individuals who are serving non-custodial penalties.

Under the plan, the amnesty will extend to participants in the Patriotic War and the counterterrorism operation of Sept. 19–20, 2023, as well as to their relatives and socially vulnerable groups.

As noted, this amnesty will be the largest in the history of Azerbaijan.