NKorea to conduct special pardons for convicts

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says it will conduct special pardons for convicts to commemorate milestone birthdays of its two late leaders.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that the release of convicts will start Feb. 1 at the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

KCNA says the decision is meant to mark the April centenary of the birth of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung and the 70th birthday of his son Kim Jong Il in February.

Kim Jong Il died of a heart attack last month and his son and heir, Kim Jong Un, has moved to take over power.

South Korea's Unification Ministry says North Korea last conducted such a special pardon in August 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule.