amnesty
Meaning: An official pardon or act of forgiveness granted to a group of people, typically for political offences; also, a period during which people can surrender illegal items without penalty.
Amnesty differs from a pardon in that it usually applies to a group rather than an individual and often addresses political rather than criminal offences. It is a key concept in transitional justice and post-conflict reconciliation. The organisation Amnesty International campaigns for human rights worldwide. Amnesties are also used domestically, such as knife amnesty programmes where people can surrender weapons without prosecution. Common collocations include 'grant an amnesty,' 'amnesty programme,' and 'political amnesty.'
Examples
- The government declared an amnesty for all political prisoners held during the former regime. 政府宣布对前政权期间关押的所有政治犯实行大赦。El gobierno declaró una amnistía para todos los presos políticos detenidos durante el régimen anterior.政府は前政権下で拘束されていたすべての政治犯に対する恩赦を宣言した。정부는 전 정권 하에서 구금되었던 모든 정치범에 대한 사면을 선언했다.
- The police launched a knife amnesty, urging people to surrender bladed weapons without fear of prosecution. 警方发起了一项刀具大赦运动,敦促人们在不必担心被起诉的情况下上交刀具。La policía puso en marcha una amnistía de armas blancas, instando a la ciudadanía a entregar cuchillos sin temor a ser procesada.警察は刃物恩赦を開始し、訴追を恐れずに刃物を引き渡すよう市民に呼びかけた。경찰은 칼 반납 사면을 시행하여 시민들에게 기소의 우려 없이 흉기를 반납하도록 촉구했다.
- Amnesty International called for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience. 国际特赦组织呼吁立即释放所有良心犯。Amnistía Internacional pidió la liberación inmediata de todos los presos de conciencia.アムネスティ・インターナショナルは、すべての良心の囚人の即時釈放を求めた。국제앰네스티는 모든 양심수의 즉각적인 석방을 요구했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek amnēstia (forgetfulness, oblivion), from amnēstos (forgotten), from a- (not) + mnēstos (remembered), related to mnēmē (memory). Entered English in the 16th century via Latin amnestia.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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