Publication

The case study provides an overview of the manner in which the release of political prisoners in South Africa was linked to broader political concessions during the post-apartheid negotiation process. It considers problems encountered in determining fixed dates to grant indemnity, amnesty and the limited mechanisms in place to facilitate the reintegration of prisoners into society. The author concludes that although amnesty disrupts the normal course of justice by preventing the criminal justice system from taking its course and allowing perpetrators to walk free, it also allows other processes to come into effect, thereby bridging deep societal divides.