Georgian President pardons 70 individuals on Svetitskhovloba Feast

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Tuesday pardoned 70 individuals in connection with the celebration of Svetitskhovloba, the President’s Administration announced.

According to the statement, the pardon applies to 42 individuals serving non-custodial sentences and 24 inmates currently serving prison terms. In addition, criminal records were expunged for 4 individuals.

“The President of Georgia exercised his exclusive constitutional authority based on the principles of humanism and the interests of the state”, the Administration’s statement reads.

Svetitskhovloba, also known as the Feast of the Living Pillar, is one of Georgia’s most important religious and national holidays. It is celebrated annually in the ancient city of Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, and commemorates the construction of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, marking the country’s Christian heritage and unity.