What is an official pardon granted to people convicted of political offenses called?

An official pardon granted to individuals convicted of political offenses is referred to as amnesty. This term specifically applies to the act of forgiving individuals for actions that might have been criminalized in the context of political circumstances, often encompassing a wide range of offenses from political dissent to civil disobedience. Amnesty is usually enacted to promote reconciliation and heal societal divisions, particularly following times of political unrest or conflict.

In contrast, the other terms listed have different meanings and applications. A pardon is a legal decision that absolves an individual of a crime but is typically applied more broadly rather than specifically to political offenses. Commutation refers to the reduction of a penalty or sentence, rather than the absolution of the crime itself. Annullment generally pertains to the invalidation of a legal decree or marriage rather than addressing criminal convictions. Therefore, amnesty is the most accurate term in this context, as it directly addresses the scenario involving political offenses.