By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter

Some 1.53 million minor traffic and petty criminals will be pardoned on the Aug. 15 Liberation Day, the Ministry of Justice said Tuesday.

It announced a total of 1,527,700 names of minor offenders to be granted the special pardon, two weeks after President Lee Myung-bak said he would grant the special amnesty for traffic offenders, farmers and fishermen among others.

"The pardons are aimed at helping ease the economic pains of minor traffic and business-related offenders and their families," Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said. "Criminals convicted of brutal crimes including murder and sexual assault, politicians and businessmen were excluded."

Those to be pardoned include 1,505,376 minor traffic offenders, followed by 9,467 people convicted of business-related crimes and 8,764 fishermen whose business licenses have been either suspended or canceled for minor offences. A total of 1,633 criminals including those aged over 70 and in worsening health conditions will also be beneficiaries.

"Unlike previous pardons, we gave no favors to any convicted public figures, including politicians and businessmen," said Han Sang-dae, a senior justice ministry official. "We adopted the same standard in selecting beneficiaries regardless of their previous social status."

So far, special presidential pardons have frequently faced public criticism since they have provided corrupt pro-government politicians and tycoons with opportunities to return to prominence.

President Lee drew fire last year for releasing thousands of convicted politicians, businessmen and public servants in a special amnesty.

In that sense, civic groups hailed the upcoming pardons excluding convicted public figures.

"We welcome the decision," said Jeon Hee-kyung, the spokeswoman for the Citizens United for a Better Society. "This shows that the government is trying to play by the rules."

pss@koreatimes.co.kr