Pardon measures between 1945 and 1963, with special reference to the unofficial ones of 1955–1958 and the general one of 1963

Abstract

In Hungary, from 1945 onwards, first targeted persons and then the civil and military criminal justice systems were used on a massive scale not only to settle political struggles and establish a one-party dictatorship, but also to carry out day-to-day political tasks. The Hungarian penitentiary system was overwhelmed by the number of innocent prisoners. From the autumn of 1955, more than 20,000 prisoners were allowed to leave their cells by party decree, contrary to the pardon measures promulgated by law. Those sentenced during the Kádár reprisals were released by two partial and one general amnesty. The March 1963 measure was linked to the country's international situation. The release of prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death but had fortunately been pardoned revealed the offences committed against them, which had been concealed. Those who were not released had served the full term of their sentences and were not covered by the 1970 pardon.