political amnesty

Political amnesty is official forgiveness granted by a government for political crimes or offenses against the state.

It typically covers acts like rebellion, sedition, or opposition activities, allowing dissidents, prisoners, or exiles to avoid prosecution or have sentences cancelled.

Governments often grant political amnesty during transitions—after wars, regime changes, or peace negotiations—as a gesture toward reconciliation: The new president announced political amnesty for all who had opposed the former regime.