asked the President whether, in view of the peaceful state of the country, the Executive Council are prepared to extend an amnesty to all persons who have been convicted of political offences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amnesty for Political Prisoners.
I assume that the Deputy refers to persons who were convicted by the Constitution (Special Powers) Tribunal.
There are at present 19 such persons in custody, including one who was convicted of murder and was sentenced to death, but whose sentence was commuted by the Executive Council to penal servitude for life. Twelve others were convicted of crimes of violence such as attempted murder, shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm, unlawful use of firearms, assault, kidnapping. Of the remaining six, four were convicted of the unlawful possession of firearms. Two of the 19 prisoners were sentenced for membership of an unlawful association.
It is the Government's duty to preserve the public peace and protect the lives and property of all the citizens. Where they are satisfied that the release of a prisoner would be consistent with that duty, they are, and always have been, fully prepared to give his case due consideration.