Possible Clues:

• Nile net loosened — that's merciful
• Far from stern
• Showing forbearance, as 28 could be?
• Net and line in tangle, which is merciful
• Soft on the rules
• Mild mid-evening in days before Easter
• Too easy
• Opposite of draconian
• Merciful Russian leader embracing European traditions, initially
• Not strict? That is forbidden ultimately in period of austerity