Georgia: Parliament Pardons 3,500 Prisoners

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/world/europe/georgian-parliament-pardons-3500-prisoners.html

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Parliament passed a law on Friday to pardon 3,500 prisoners, including those jailed under President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose party was ousted in October. The move appears to fit into a power play between the new prime minister, the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Mr. Saakashvili. Since the election, won by the six-party Georgian Dream led by Mr. Ivanishvili, a raft of former government officials have been arrested, accused of abuse of power. The West has warned Mr. Ivanishvili, a political novice, not to lead a witch hunt of officials loyal to Mr. Saakashvili, who in turn is criticized by opponents for monopolizing power, mistreating critics and trampling on human rights. Prisoners to be pardoned under the bill include those convicted of high treason, taking part in military riots and spying for Russia as well as robbery, fraud, theft, drugs and minor crimes. Critics of Mr. Saakashvili say many of them they were victims of political persecution.