A death sentence for Kasab, seen to represent Pakistan, will be widely supported in a frenzy of righteous retribution. Presidential clemency is politically improbable.
If someone is granted clemency, they are punished less severely than they could be. Seventeen prisoners held on death row are to be executed after their pleas for clemency were turned down. forgiveness and less severe punishment for a crime grant/give sb clemency
Disposition to forgive and spare, as offenders; mildness of temper; gentleness; tenderness; mercy
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice; "he threw himself on the mercy of the court