Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked stands behind a bill seeking to expand presidential powers to grant a pardon for prisoners. Today, the president is empowered to grant clemency to a convicted criminal. At his digression, the president may shorten one�s prison sentence or overturn one�s conviction, resulting in immediate release.

The new bill, initiated by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, would permit the president to do the same for persons convicted by professional disciplinary tribunals such as those which sanction attorneys and physicians by revoking or suspending one�s professional license to practice.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)