Irakli Kirtskhalia, a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream (Kartuli Otsneba) party, commented on the issue of pardons traditionally timed for Easter, as no act of clemency was issued on this occasion.
He noted that the authorities always strive to exercise the humanitarian act of pardoning. Kirtskhalia expressed confidence that when the time comes, Mikheil Kavelashvili [the President] will “make a decision, as has been done before, and this act will take place.”
The ruling party leader did not specify dates for a potential pardon, stating that Georgian Dream would continue its pardon policy with prudence and caution.
“You are well aware of our attitude, and that of our president, toward pardoning—this humane act. Certain traditions exist, and perhaps some people had expectations. Rest assured, regarding pardons and the next steps toward this humanitarian act, we always strive to ensure it is carried out.
This is the president’s prerogative. There are other holidays, and I am confident that when the time comes, the president will make a decision, just as has been done in the past, and this act will take place. We will not specify dates, as this is a sensitive issue for many.
During Georgian Dream’s time in office, humanitarian acts have not been uncommon, and rest assured, we will certainly continue this policy—with great prudence and caution,” Kirtskhalia noted.
It should be noted that on April 14, Mother Tongue Day, the opposition party “Gakharia for Georgia” (Gakharia Sakartvelostvis) called on the authorities to pardon four miners from Chiatura.
“Gakharia for Georgia” calls on Kavelashvili to pardon Chiatura miners
