Kazakh President Kasim Khomart Tokayev on Wednesday ratified an amnesty law that will exonerate more than 1,500 people convicted of minor crimes committed during protests in the country earlier this year.
The law provides for exemptions for this type of convictions, while those who have committed more serious crimes will be eligible for a reduction of their sentences, as reported in a statement by the press service of the Presidency.
However, those convicted of extremism, terrorism, organizing marches and torture will not be granted amnesty.
The country was plunged into a crisis at the beginning of January 2022, when thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the government for the increase in the price of liquefied gas, essential for car travel.
Last August, the Kazakh Prosecutor’s Office put the number of people killed during the demonstrations at 238, including 19 members of the security forces.
