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President: Parliament's amnesty bill is directed against the state and security of Georgia

Georgia Materials 29 December 2012 11:09 (UTC +04:00)
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili believes that the fact of the Georgian parliament overriding presidential veto on amnesty bill is directed against the state and the country's security.
President: Parliament's amnesty bill is directed against the state and security of Georgia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Dec. 28 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili believes that the fact of the Georgian parliament overriding presidential veto on amnesty bill is directed against the state and the country's security.

"This decision is directed against the state and security of Georgia," Georgian President addressed the nation.

Saakashvili protested against granting pardon to pedophiles and those who were convicted for espionage in favor of Russia.

"It boggles the mind, when occupied country frees the occupant spies; and now as 3,000 criminals are granted pardon, how can we talk about security of the state, how can we talk about security in Georgia, that was on top of the list of Europe's most secured states?" he stressed.

Saakashvili expressed his dissatisfaction with the Parliament, claiming that it has so far expressed itself only through regulating condoms and releasing pedophiles.

Georgian President also expressed his protest against questioning of the former head of Adjara Levan Varshalomidze. "They staged a provocation and tried to arrange a fight with a man who could rouse Adjara, rebuilt and developed it; I call for honor and dignity", he said.

Saakashvili called for Georgian society "to unite and prevent the victory of those who is now pulling down the country, trying to tie it back to Russia in terms of policy, economy and energy."

Earlier on Friday, the Georgian parliament overruled a presidential veto on amnesty bill. 91 MPs voted to overcome a veto, and 21 rejected.

In the aftermath of amnesty, 3,000 people will leave prisons. Those sentenced for drug use and less serious crimes will also fall under the amnesty. Prisoners are to be released following the relevant procedures.

In addition, term of imprisonment for women, minors and those who have committed economic crimes will be reduced by half. Probation period will also be reduced to two or three years (currently, eight-nine years). Prisoners, which are subject to release under the amnesty, will be able to leave prisons in two months after the statutory procedures.

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