Amnestie

Amnesty is a legal act by a government that forgives or immunizes individuals or groups from prosecution for offenses committed before a specified date, typically in connection with political conflicts or transition processes. It often concerns political crimes or related acts of violence undertaken during war, rebellion, or civil strife. An amnesty differs from a pardon in that it is designed to extinguish criminal liability for broader categories of conduct or for whole groups, and may accompany guarantees against further prosecution; the exact effects vary by jurisdiction. Amnesties can be general, applying to large classes of offenses, or targeted at specific individuals or groups. They can be unconditional, or conditioned on steps such as giving testimony, surrendering arms, or participating in truth-telling processes. Conditions may aim to promote demobilization, reconciliation, or institutional reform.

Amnesty is frequently part of peace settlements and transitional justice programs. Notable examples include post-apartheid South Africa, where amnesty was offered to individuals who fully disclosed politically motivated crimes to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and various transitions in Latin America, where amnesty laws were used to limit prosecutions of past abuses. Amnesty remains controversial: supporters argue it helps stabilize societies and foster reconciliation, while critics contend it can undermine accountability, deny justice to victims, and create impunity. In many jurisdictions, constitutional or human rights constraints shape or limit the scope of amnesty.