Tags: EU | Macedonia | Prisoners

Macedonia's Prisoners Ask for Presidential Pardons

Tuesday, 19 April 2016 02:00 PM EDT

SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — Nearly 2,000 prisoners in Macedonia have called on President Gjorge Ivanov to grant them partial pardons reducing their sentences, after he pardoned dozens of members of the country's political elite last week over a wiretapping scandal.

Zvonko Davidovic, a lawyer whose office is representing convicts pro bono, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the prisoners asked for Ivanov to show "mercy" and reduce sentences from one third to half, or for life sentences to be converted to 15-20 years. He said the pardoning only of politicians puts ordinary people at a disadvantage.

Ivanov issued pardons for politicians, including former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and opposition leader Zoran Zaev, ahead of June 5 early elections. The move prompted daily protests.

Davidovic said 3,152 prisoners are in overcrowded Macedonian jails.

© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Europe
Nearly 2,000 prisoners in Macedonia have called on President Gjorge Ivanov to grant them partial pardons reducing their sentences, after he pardoned dozens of members of the country's political elite last week over a wiretapping scandal.Zvonko Davidovic, a lawyer whose...
EU,Macedonia,Prisoners
132
2016-00-19
Tuesday, 19 April 2016 02:00 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 
TOP

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved