Cambodia to free or reduce jail terms for some 625 prisoners

Some 625 prisoners could be released or see their jail terms reduced on the occasion of Khmer New Year, which falls on April 14-16, according to the Ministry of Justice.

The ministry has requested to King Norodom Sihamoni to grant royal pardons or reduce jail terms for prisoners three times a year -- during Khmer New Year, Visak Bochea (Buddha's) Day and Water Festival.

Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana said Tuesday that under Cambodian law, a prisoner is qualified for a royal amnesty or a jail-term reduction provided he or she has served at least two- thirds of the jail term and behaved well while serving time in prison.

In February last year, the government also asked the king to pardon 412 prisoners across the country and reduce the sentences of 84 to mark the funeral of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the country has 14,700 prisoners in all 26 prisons throughout the country.

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