What is meant by "amnesty"?

The term "amnesty" refers to a general pardon granted by an authority, often a government, for offenses that have been committed, typically in relation to political crimes or acts of dissent. This action allows individuals who have been accused or convicted of such offenses to be forgiven or exempt from penalties associated with those offenses.

In this context, the correct answer effectively captures the essence of amnesty, distinguishing it as a form of leniency or forgiveness rather than punishment or restriction. The other options present concepts that do not align with the meaning of amnesty: punishment suggests consequences for actions, humiliation involves social or personal shaming, and restrictions on freedoms imply limitations rather than forgiveness, all of which differ significantly from the notion of granting a pardon.