Lukashenko pardons 20 political prisoners on New Year's Eve
This was reported by BelTA, according to Ukrinform.
It is noted that 20 of those pardoned were convicted under “extremist” articles—this is how the Belarusian regime refers to those convicted on political grounds.
Fifteen women and seven men will be released, with 11 of them having minor children.
It is reported that the convicts wrote a petition for pardon.
Their names have not been disclosed.
As reported by Ukrinform, on December 13, Aleksandr Lukashenko released 123 political prisoners after meeting with US Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole. Nine people were taken to Lithuania, and 114 people were transferred from Belarus to Ukraine.
Among those returned were five Ukrainian civilians who had been detained in Belarus. In addition, Belarusian citizens who had been imprisoned for political reasons and were serving long sentences were handed over to Ukraine. Among them were well-known Belarusian figures, including Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko, journalist Marina Zolotova, and others. Belarusian citizens were then allowed to leave for Poland and Lithuania.
On September 11, after Lukashenko met with US representatives, 52 political prisoners were released.
As a result of Lukashenko's meeting with the US President's envoy, Keith Kellogg, on June 21, 14 political prisoners were released.
Photo: AA
