Georgian President: Pardons require recognition of wrongdoing from other side

In an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, President Mikheil Kavelashvili said that the process of granting pardons requires the individual being pardoned to acknowledge their wrongdoing.

"By definition, a pardon is a humanitarian act. From the very first day, I have set very strict requirements because you must feel, when making such a decision, that it is fair and leaves no doubt. There is a lot of speculation and many applicants, but there are clear criteria we strictly follow," Kavelashvili stated.

He emphasized that all relevant institutions must participate in the process and that the views of victims are also important. "Although you have the right to pardon, you cannot allow yourself to use this right if there is a victim involved and you release the offender. That would be wrong and unacceptable."

Responding to questions about whether he intends to use this discretionary power for those detained during protests, Kavelashvili noted: "The other side must understand that if they have committed a crime, they are responsible. If someone is driven by certain ideas—like the Bolsheviks or Decembrists who saw prison as a noble cause and did not seek pardon because they believed they were fighting an illegitimate government—then there are two sides, and pardons cannot happen unless both sides acknowledge that. The main factor in granting a pardon is this recognition. If this understanding emerges, of course, a pardon can be considered."

Kavelashvili concluded by saying that while the act of granting freedom to an individual is a great joy, it is crucial that all involved institutions agree on the decision and ensure that the person does not pose a threat to society.