Belarus leader signs decree pardoning 15 convicts

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree pardoning 15 people, 13 of whom were serving sentences for offences classified by the authorities as extremist in nature, the presidential press service said on September 24.

The decree provides for the release of all 15 people covered by the pardon. The press service did not specify the offences for which the remaining two had been convicted.

Women account for the majority of those pardoned, with 10 women and five men included in the decree.

The presidential press service said all 15 had submitted formal requests for clemency. According to the statement, each person admitted guilt and expressed remorse for their actions.

A commitment to lead a law-abiding life is among the conditions considered when applications for presidential pardons are reviewed, the press service said.

By Tamilla Hasanova