President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed decree No. 373/2021 on amendments to the regulation on the procedure for exercising pardons, according to the website of the head of state on Aug. 20.
According to the decree, persons convicted of corruption, criminal offenses and misdemeanors, violation of traffic rules or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be pardoned after they have actually served the terms established by the provision of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on parole.
In exceptional cases, a petition for pardon may be submitted by a member of the Presidential Commission on Pardons, Ombudsman, advisers – presidential commissioners on children’s rights and on issues of disability. However, they must apply for clemency directly to the Office of the President.
Also, according to the envisaged changes, a meeting of the Pardon Commission, if technical means are available, can be held remotely via videoconference.
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication.
