Belarus president grants clemency to 250 prisoners

Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 250 individuals convicted of extremist-related offenses, citing humanitarian considerations, according to the state news agency BelTA.

“The president has decided to pardon a number of individuals convicted of extremist-related crimes. First and foremost, the head of state traditionally acted on the principle of humanism. And, of course, he took into account appeals received from mothers, wives, and relatives of those convicted,” the presidential press service said.

Authorities noted that all petitions were carefully reviewed by a commission headed by the prosecutor general before being submitted for presidential approval. Lukashenko also took into account the commission’s recommendations.

“As a result, a decision was made to pardon 250 individuals. The state grants all of them the opportunity to start a new chapter in life,” the statement added.

By Tamilla Hasanova