PHNOM PENH: Ministry of Justice has requested to the Prime Minister to pardon and reduce sentences of 283 prisoners, including 27 women, on the occasion of the Victory Day on January 7, 2023.

According to the Secretary of State and spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Kem Santepheap, on the occasion of the Victory Day on January 7, 2023, the National Commission will Review and Evaluate the list of prisoners requesting for a reduced sentence or a pardon. The list final will be sent to the Prime Minister to review and then passed on to the king for final approval.

The prisoners who have asked for a reduced sentence included 215 three-month sentences (17 women), 54 six-month sentences (nine women), 11 nine-month sentences and two 12-month sentences. Only one person has asked for a pardon (1 female).

It should be noted that from 2021, Cambodia has set mitigation and amnesty for prisoners to be able to apply five times a year on the occasions of national festivals or major events, Victory Day 7 January, Khmer New Year, Vesak Bochea Festival, National Independence Day and Water Festival.