November 8, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka’s pardon for 31 political prisoners is good news because many families will finally be reunited, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja said in a statement.
“This is a real celebration for relatives, friends and all of us,” the politician said.
“We welcome this step and call for the release of all political prisoners. Unfortunately, the reprisals don’t stop. While releasing some, the regime continues to torture and imprison others,” she stressed.
Yesterday, Łukašenka’s press office reported that he had pardoned 31 people sentenced for “extremist” crimes, including two women.
Seventeen have chronic illnesses and three are disabled. Twenty-seven are parents, including seven parents with many children.
The head of state only ordered their release, but they will not have their criminal records expunged. The interior ministry “will ensure control over their law-abiding behavior.”
