Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree pardoning a group of convicts who have sincerely repented for their actions and have firmly committed to reforming their lives.

The decree was signed in honor of the 33rd anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

According to the decree, 522 individuals have been pardoned. Of these, 159 have been released from further serving their primary sentence, 303 have been granted conditional early release, and the sentences of 60 convicts have been commuted to more lenient penalties.

Among those pardoned are 19 foreign nationals, 56 women, 25 men over 60 years old, 233 young people (including 1 minor), and 27 individuals convicted for involvement with banned organizations.

Additionally, the decree mandates that responsible ministries and agencies assist the pardoned individuals in reuniting with their families and loved ones, support their social reintegration, encourage their participation in productive activities, promote a healthy lifestyle, and help them find a respectable place in society.