Cichanoŭskaja says Łukašenka lied about amnesty

September 18, BPN. Belarusian democratic leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has accused Alaksandr Łukašenka of lying because he has not pardoned any political prisoners.

“There was no amnesty on September 17 – Łukašenka lied once again,” she said, as quoted by her official Telegram channel.

“While the regime detains dissidents every day, any promises and ‘amnesties’ are just to empty prisons for new prisoners,” Cichanoŭskaja added.

“Everyone must be released,” she stressed.

According to her, that was not the first time that the regime deceived people. Non-involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine and capability to overcome the economic crisis have turned out to be false statements as well, she noted.

A possible amnesty for 8,000 people, including participants in mass rallies, was discussed at Łukašenka’s meeting with officials on September 6. It was announced ahead of National Unity Day, a controversial state holiday on September 17.