Perennial pardons

No names have been released, but 117 prisoners around the country will be set free today to mark the 61st birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni, Ministry of Justice Cabinet Chief Brocheam Meanith said yesterday.

“The prisoners requested to be given amnesty by the King are prisoners who have carried out two-thirds of their sentence and can live in the community,” he said, adding that the ministry has requested pardons for elderly, pregnant and chronically ill prisoners.

In February, King Norodom Sihamoni pardoned 412 prisoners and reduced the sentences of 84 more during the funeral of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

At the time, allegations were levelled at prison officials for accepting bribes to nominate inmates for pardons and reduced sentences, and inmates told the Post that a number of those chosen did not meet the ostensible qualifications.