Political PR or mercy? Lukashenko pardons 25 convicted of extremism
Photo: self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko (Getty Images)
Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 25 prisoners on the eve of Unity Day, including those convicted of "extremist crimes," according to the pro-Lukashenko channel Pul Pervogo.
The decree, dated 16 September and timed to Unity Day, stated that "all of them admitted guilt and repented, pledging to lead a law-abiding life," according to the source.
Among those pardoned were 12 women and 13 men, most of them under 40. Some have children, including one woman raising a large family. One of the released had committed a crime while still a minor.
This is not the first time the Belarusian authorities have announced pardons on the eve of state holidays.
Rights groups stress that most people convicted of so-called "extremist crimes" are in fact political prisoners jailed for joining protests against Lukashenko’s rule or for criticizing the regime.
Political prisoner releases in Belarus
On 21 June, following a visit to Minsk by US special envoy Keith Kellogg, Lukashenko freed 14 Belarusian political prisoners, including opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky.
On 11 September, another 50 political prisoners were released, coinciding with the lifting of sanctions on Belavia.
Recent developments suggest the United States is considering easing pressure on Minsk, including the possible return of the US embassy to Belarus.
