November 3: On the occasion of the coronation, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck granted amnesty to a total of 132 prisoners across the country.

Those who received amnesty comprise individuals convicted for life, individuals serving time for breaking common law, and juvenile delinquents.

In addition to these categories, convicted individuals suffering from serious illnesses were also pardoned. For prisoners sentenced to life, those who have already served a minimum of 17 years were granted amnesty.

Other prisoners including juvenile delinquents who were released have served three fourths of their time in jail.

All were granted amnesty based on their record of good conduct while in confinement.

Drangpon Lungten Drubgyur from the office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon said this Amnesty granted by His Majesty is not just a compassionate act but one that allows juvenile delinquents to be forgiven, good conduct to be rewarded, and it also recognizes the serving of the majority of one’s term.

He also said, “such acts of amnesty further strengthens the laws of the land by encouraging the reformation of wrong doers and relieving the burden on the government through the release of certain prisoners.’’

The Chief of Police Colonel Kipchu Namgyal said the granting of amnesty by His Majesty the King will give the convicts the opportunity to start a new life. It will also inspire other prisoners to strive towards self improvement through good conduct.