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<p>The Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) was used 16 times in relation to persons convicted
and sentenced for terrorist offences in Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2002; seven
times in 2000, six times in 2001, and three times in 2002. It was used to shorten
(that is not waive or remove) sentences in relation to individuals who, for technical
reasons, were not eligible for the early release scheme established under the Northern
Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998.</p><p> </p><p>The RPM was used once in 1998 and once
in 1999 in non-terrorism related cases in Northern Ireland. In one case, an individual
was granted the RPM following assistance that person gave to the authorities (reduction
in sentence for such assistance is now provided for on a statutory basis under the
Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005). In the other, the RPM was used to commute
a portion of a sentence for a soldier who spent time under close military arrest for
an offence prior to conviction. Had this person been a civilian, such time (equivalent
to being on remand) would have been deducted from the sentence, but there was no statutory
provision for this at the time in relation to close military arrest.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst
the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for recommending the exercising
of the RPM for terrorism-related cases in Northern Ireland, since the devolution of
policing and justice in 2010, responsibility for making recommendations for the RPM
in all other cases lies with the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>The
Northern Ireland Office does not hold complete records for 1996 or 1997 due to record
retention policies.</p><p><br></p><p> </p>
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