The Kandal provincial prison has requested clemency for 36 inmates on the occasions of Independence Day and Water Festival in November.

The request came after provincial governor Kong Sophorn held a meeting with relevant officials to review and discuss pardon and sentence reduction for those who have corrected themselves.

He said the move was in line with the law and regulations and only inmates who commit to become good persons upon integration into society are eligible.

According to Sophorn, those convicted of serious crimes – such as extortion, aggravated theft resulting in death, rape and murder, drug trafficking and production, terrorism and weapon smuggling – are not fit for consideration.

Provincial prison director Chat Sineang said on August 27 that 23 inmates were selected for the occasion of Independence Day and another 26 for the Water Festival.

He said that after evaluation, 35 inmates were given sentence reduction from three to 12 month, and only one was eligible for pardon. They were among a total of 49 inmates considered for clemency.

Clemency requests are granted during five national holidays – January 7 Victory Day, Khmer New Year, Visak Bochea, Independence Day and the Water Festival.