/ 18 January 2008

Presidency and political parties discuss pardons

Director General in the Presidency Frank Chikane met representatives of political parties in Pretoria on Friday to discuss the subject of presidential pardons.

The discussions at the Union Buildings dealt with applications from perpetrators of alleged political crimes committed before June 16 1999.

Chikane and representatives from all political parties in Parliament have formed a multiparty reference group to consider such applications.

”Yes, they are meeting today [Friday],” said presidential spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga.

In November last year, President Thabo Mbeki announced a plan to pardon people for alleged political offences.

Perpetrators of alleged political crimes have a three-month period from January 15 to April 15 this year to apply for pardon.

People who were denied amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or who have been convicted of sexual offences, domestic violence and certain drug offences cannot apply. — Sapa