The World - News from Feb. 9, 1989

Japan announced it will pardon 30,000 people in a general amnesty that includes restoration of civil rights to about 11 million people. The amnesty, intended as a gift to the people to commemorate the death of Emperor Hirohito, will take effect Feb. 24, the day of Hirohito’s funeral. The amnesty was immediately criticized as being selective and politically motivated because it includes thousands of politicians and campaign workers convicted of breaking election laws. The measure is in line with the Japanese tradition of granting pardons to mark significant events in the country’s history.