Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, October 26/ Trend H. Hasanov /
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov commemorated the 22nd anniversary of independence which is celebrated on October 27, by signing a decree whereby 1002 prisoners will be pardoned, the country's TV reported on Saturday.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of state noted that adhering to the traditions of humanity and mercy of great ancestors, Turkmenistan holds regular pardons for those sentenced to imprisonment for committing crimes and sincerely repentant of their deeds.
Addressing the heads of law enforcement agencies, he instructed to take all necessary measures for the pardoned to be released from prison so that they spent the holiday with their family.
"We gave them a chance to redeem themselves by honest work and to participate actively in the life of the country," the Turkmen president said on TV.
The relevant officials were instructed to provide these individuals with jobs.