The Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan has adopted a resolution declaring a broad amnesty in honor of the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty.
The draft resolution was reviewed and approved during today’s parliamentary session following discussions and a vote by lawmakers.
Under the adopted act, a wide range of convicted individuals will be fully released from custodial sentences, regardless of the length of punishment. These include, among others:
Participants in combat operations to defend Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — including veterans of the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and the anti-terrorist operation of September 19–20, 2023 — as well as close relatives of those killed or missing in action.
Individuals awarded state orders and medals for participation in these operations, except those stripped of awards under the law.
Persons who became disabled as a result of Armenian military provocations against civilians, including during the 2020 war, as well as close relatives of those killed.
Victims of the Khojaly genocide who became disabled, and close relatives of those killed or missing.
People deported from Armenia during ethnic cleansing campaigns in 1948–1953 and 1987–1991, and those forcibly displaced due to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories in 1988–1993.
Individuals disabled during the January 20, 1990 events, and close relatives of those killed.
Persons who fulfilled international military duties within the Azerbaijani Armed Forces or the former USSR, including peacekeepers, as well as close relatives of those killed or missing.
World War II veterans, rear-service workers, and equivalent categories, as well as their close relatives.
Individuals subjected to political repression during the Soviet period and later rehabilitated, and their close relatives.
Participants in the liquidation of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and their legal guardians.
Women, juveniles at the time of the offense, persons aged 60 and over, people with severe disabilities, and those responsible for dependent minors or children with disabilities.
In addition, full release will apply to persons convicted of offenses posing no great public danger, negligent crimes with sentences of up to five years, minor crimes with less than one year remaining, and certain first-time serious offenses with limited remaining sentences. The amnesty also covers individuals sentenced to non-custodial penalties, including restriction of liberty, corrective labor, community service, fines, disciplinary military units, and professional bans.
For some categories of prisoners, remaining prison terms will be reduced by six months, including those convicted of minor crimes with more than one year left to serve and negligent serious crimes with more than six months remaining.
The amnesty applies to individuals sentenced under court decisions that entered into legal force before the act’s effective date, including those conditionally sentenced, granted deferred punishment, or released on parole. It does not prevent appeals against convictions in higher courts.
The resolution also extends to individuals convicted by foreign courts whose sentences are recognized and enforced in Azerbaijan.
Special provisions address military service obligations, medical supervision for released tuberculosis patients, and procedures for individuals subject to compulsory psychiatric treatment. Authorities are instructed to ensure medical registration and continuation of treatment where applicable.
The act requires relevant bodies to complete the application of the amnesty within four months and to take necessary measures to support the social reintegration of released individuals.
President Ilham Aliyev previously proposed the amnesty initiative. The measure is expected to affect more than 20,000 people, making it the largest amnesty in Azerbaijan’s history in terms of scope and number of beneficiaries.
