Lukashenko grants pardon to 25 convicts, including political prisoners

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 25 people, including those convicted of “extremist-related” crimes, BelTA writes, citing the president’s press service.

The decision was made on the eve of the National Unity Day. According to the press service, the pardoned individuals include 12 women and 13 men.

“Nineteen of them are under 40 years old. Many have children, and one of the convicts is a mother of multiple children. One of those pardoned committed the crime while still a minor,” the statement said.

All those released “admitted their guilt and expressed remorse for their actions, pledging to adhere to a law-abiding lifestyle,” the press service noted.

The human rights group Viasna pointed out that political prisoners are among those pardoned, as the statement referred to individuals convicted of “extremist crimes.” It remains unclear, however, how many political prisoners are included in the list.