Lukashenko pardons protest prisoners, urges end to Ukraine conflict
Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 30 people convicted of participating in protests, the Pul Pervogo channel on Telegram, run by his press service, reported on Friday. Among those pardoned were 14 women and 16 men, some of whom were seriously ill.
Lukashenko pardoned 30 convicted people for participating in protests after the 2020 presidential elections. Names were not provided, but it is known that among them are elderly and seriously ill individuals. Pul Pervogo wrote that these individuals were convicted of "protest-related offences."
All of them admitted their guilt, sincerely expressed remorse for their actions, and committed to leading a law-abiding lifestyle. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will oversee these commitments as directed by the head of state. The signed pardon act is effectively a chance for these individuals to rehabilitate themselves before the state and society, as explained the statement on the Pul Pervogo channel on Telegram.
Zerkalo.io reminded that according to the human rights organisation Viasna, on 3 July, 18 political prisoners were released in Belarus, either under amnesty or pardon. Human rights organisations claim that there are about 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus - writes Reuters.
Lukashenko gave an interview for Russian television. Did he call for an end to the conflict?
On Thursday, 15 August, at 9:00 GMT, Alexander Lukashenko gave an interview to Russian television Rossiya 1. The Belarusian leader was interviewed by Yevgeny Popov, a Kremlin propagandist and host of the popular Russian talk show "60 Minutes."
At one point in the discussion, the war in Ukraine was brought up. - Let's sit at the negotiating table and end this fight. Neither Ukrainians, Russians, nor Belarusians need this, said Alexander Lukashenko, quoted by Belta.
The dictator believes that the continuation of the war in Ukraine is desired by "high-ranking individuals of American origin."
High-ranking individuals of American origin are speaking about this (...). Is it normal? They want us to destroy each other, he said.
