AG welcomes Archbishop’s call

Additionally, he said that they were two separate issues — conditional releases and pardon.

He said, “We have forged a relationship with the criminal justice sector, we have gone where no one has gone before, but not pardon only, but conditional release...Each case has to be looked at on a case by case basis. It’s not a simple exercise, and it’s much broader than issue of pardon.

Pardon applies to post conviction, and does not take care of those incarcerated beyond maximum sentence (10 years) in Remand Prison.” “I welcome the advocacy on the part of the Catholic Church.

The Ultimate decision has to be made by the judicial officer who will be guided by the Director of Public Prosecutions as it relates to conditional release.

(Nonetheless) Pardon and mercy are separate issues that are also receiving attention.

He explained that the process requires a lot of vigorous work and is “still subject to Cabinet and judicial review”.