The parliament in North Macedonia has passed an amnesty for violations of corona measures. MPs voted 76-1 on Monday night for the bill, which reportedly could benefit more than 90 inmates. More than 200 other people who were still waiting for their trial can also breathe a sigh of relief. The decision followed a suggestion by the prison authorities to defuse the situation in the overcrowded prisons.
North Macedonia had one of the highest death rates in the world during the corona pandemic because the country was late in gaining access to vaccines. It therefore imposed severe penalties on people who failed to protect themselves against the spread of the disease. According to court data, 1,223 people were sentenced to fines of up to 2,000 euros. 205 of them did not pay and therefore faced imprisonment. Those who are already in prison can now apply for their immediate release.
