Kazakhstan Announces Mass Prisoner Amnesty

Kazakhstan to Release Thousands of Prisoners in Constitutional Amnesty Kazakhstan is poised to release thousands of prisoners and individuals on probation as part of a large-scale amnesty to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its Constitution. The proposed legislation, currently under consideration by the Majilis (the lower house of parliament), outlines specific criteria for eligibility, including those convicted of non-violent crimes, members of vulnerable social groups (minors, pregnant women, the disabled, etc.), and elderly citizens. The amnesty is expected to impact approximately 632 individuals currently incarcerated and 3,500 under probationary supervision, with potential sentence reductions for an additional 10,900. "This is a significant step towards restorative justice," stated Majilis deputy Snezhanna Imasheva, highlighting the considerable scale of the proposed amnesty. However, the initiative has faced criticism. Lawyer Daniyar Kanafin expressed skepticism, arguing that the restrictive criteria for eligibility, including the exclusion of individuals convicted of certain offenses, limits the impact and compromises the humanitarian intent. The amnesty is a complex issue, balancing the need for rehabilitation and public safety. While the details are still under discussion, the sheer scale of the proposed releases highlights its potential impact on Kazakhstan's justice system and society.