.gif)
Outgoing President Remengesau granted pardons to 13 inmates.
The pardons were granted on Dec. 22, 2008 to Fred Tengeluk, Francisco Sungino, Fred Ramarui, Douglas Ueki, Samuel Saunders, Burton Wenty, Frank Malsol, Ellis Teliu, Jeroam Brel, Alan Marbou, Billy Umang, Julius Echang and Billy Takamine.
Tengeluk was granted full pardon for his marijuana conviction in 2003, Marianas Variety reports.
Remengesau said that although Palau does not tolerate the sale of drugs, Tengeluk has done his time.
"I believe you are a changed man and I grant you this pardon with the trust that you will continue in the right path," the president said to Tengeluk in his letter.
Sungino’s drug related conviction was also pardoned while Remengesau granted full pardon to Takamine’s conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Ramarui was meanwhile given pardon for his conviction such as disturbing the peace, speeding and contempt of court, threatening and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Ueki meanwhile was granted full pardon for his involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery conviction which occurred in 1983.
Saunders meanwhile was granted a commutation and pardon in regard to his conviction of murder in the first degree and voluntary manslaughter in which he was convicted in 1997.
The president said Saunders shall be ordered released from jail and placed on probation for one year and if he completes it without violating the probation then he is pardoned.
Wenty is granted remission of fine and conditional pardon for his conviction of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of marijuana and possession of firearm.
Wenty’s fine for trafficking methamphetamine is reduced to US$5,000 from US$50,000.
Wenty is also ordered to pay all fines and restitution in other convictions and full payment will result to pardon.
Malsol was given full pardon for assault and battery; Teliu for his misconduct in public office conviction; Brel and Marbou for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor; Umang and Echang for assault and battery conviction.
