Photo: nova24.uz.
The presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov, have signed decrees pardoning convicted individuals. In Uzbekistan, the decree is timed to Constitution Day, marked on December 8; in Turkmenistan, it coincides with International Neutrality Day, celebrated on December 12.
According to the press service of the Uzbek president, Mirziyoyev signed a decree pardoning 615 people on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the country’s Constitution. The pardoned individuals are described as those serving sentences for criminal offenses who have sincerely repented and firmly chosen the path of reform.
Of those pardoned:
· 220 people were fully released from serving their sentences,
· 123 received conditional early release,
· 97 had their sentences reduced,
· Prison terms were shortened for an additional 175 individuals.
Among the pardoned are:
· 9 foreign citizens,
· 29 women,
· 23 men over the age of 60,
· 264 people under 30, including two minors,
· 9 individuals convicted of involvement with banned organizations.
Responsible ministries and agencies have been instructed to ensure the return of those pardoned to their families and provide support for their social reintegration, employment, adoption of a healthy lifestyle, and reintegration into society.
According to the Turkmen publication Turkmenistan — the Golden Age, Berdimuhamedov signed his pardon decree at an expanded government meeting. The list includes 231 individuals who committed crimes but expressed sincere remorse.
The president called the decree a noble act in line with the country’s longstanding tradition and instructed the relevant agencies to complete the process of returning those released from prison to their families.
Uzbekistan typically issues pardon decrees three times a year—before Ramadan Hayit, ahead of Independence Day on September 1, and on Constitution Day. In 2024 alone, 1,431 people were pardoned.
Turkmenistan also usually conducts mass pardons three times a year, tied to major state and religious holidays such as Independence Day, International Neutrality Day, and the Night of Power. In December 2024, for instance, 276 prisoners were released for International Neutrality Day. Media estimates suggest more than 20,000 people have been pardoned in Turkmenistan in recent years.
