Lukashenko pardons 30 convicted in Belarus antigovernment protests
Al Jazeera
President’s office says the decree affects seven women and 23 men who have children.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 30 people convicted for antigovernment protests, four years after huge demonstrations that prompted a massive crackdown on dissent and spurred a new wave of emigration.
Lukashenko’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that the move was a “humane gesture” that affected seven women and 23 men.
“Most are parents of … small children,” it said, without elaborating on their identities.
The veteran leader, who turned 70 last week, released 18 people from prison in early July and announced a pardon for 30 individuals on August 16.
Those freed so far include sick and elderly people, some of whom were approaching the end of their sentences.
