Belarus leader Lukashenko pardons 30 convicted protesters

• 6 September, 12:22

Leader of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 30 more protesters convicted for “crimes of protest”, the president’s press service stated on Wednesday. Among the released prisoners are seven women.

The statement stressed that those pardoned had "repented and asked" the long-serving President Lukashenka for clemency. The Belarusian leader announced the pardon for 30 individuals on August 16. The prisoners had been detained for their participation in mass protests in 2020 against the official result of a presidential poll that named Lukashenka the winner. "This decision is a humane gesture towards these people. They have received a chance to return to normal life, to their families and work," Belta quoted Lukashenko's press service as saying.

Eighteen more protesters were released from prison in early July. Among the protesters were sick and elderly people, some of whom were approaching the end of their sentences. The released prisoners also include trade union leader Vasil Berasnieu, former opposition presidential candidate Ryhor Kastusiou, and Kseniya Lutskina, a former state TV journalist who is suffering from a brain tumour. The release of prisoners in July coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from Nazi Germany. 

Human rights activists believe that 1,400 people been jailed in Belarus for voicing opposition to the country’s president who has run the country run the country for 30 years.