Remorse would be key factor in considering pardons, PM

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Friday said expressions of remorse by prisoners would be an important factor in any consideration of pardons.

Speaking to the press, Kobakhidze was asked what action the government might take if the Georgian Orthodox Church were to request the pardon of certain inmates arrested during anti-government protests.

“There is a simple approach here. If specific prisoners express remorse for the crimes they committed, in any context, we will of course have an appropriate response,” the PM said.

He added that repentance and acknowledgement of wrongdoing were “fundamentally important” in such cases.

“That is our straightforward position,” Kobakhidze pledged.