Lukashenko pardons protesters and calls for Ukraine peace

Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 30 people convicted for participating in protests, the Pul Pervogo channel on Telegram, run by his press service, reported on Friday. Among those pardoned were 14 women and 16 men—some of whom were seriously ill.

Lukashenko pardoned 30 people who were convicted of participating in protests that occurred after the 2020 presidential elections. Names were not provided, but it is known that among them are elderly and seriously ill individuals. Pul Pervogo wrote that these individuals were convicted of "protest-related offenses."

All of them admitted their guilt, sincerely expressed remorse for their actions, and committed to leading a law-abiding lifestyle. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will oversee these commitments as directed by the head of state. The signed pardon act is effectively a chance for these individuals to rehabilitate themselves before the state and society—explained a statement on the Pul Pervogo channel.

Zerkalo.io reminded that, according to the human rights organization Viasna, on July 3, 18 political prisoners were released in Belarus, either under amnesty or pardoned. Human rights organizations claim that there are about 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus—writes Reuters.

On Thursday, August 15, Alexander Lukashenko gave an interview to Russian television Rossiya 1. The Belarusian leader was interviewed by Yevgeny Popov—a Kremlin propagandist and host of the popular Russian talk show "60 Minutes."

At one point in the discussion, the war in Ukraine was brought up. - Let's sit at the negotiating table and end this fight. Neither Ukrainians, Russians, nor Belarusians need this—said Alexander Lukashenko, quoted by Belta.

Neither the Ukrainian people, Russians, nor Belarusians need this—he added.

The dictator believes that the continuation of the war in Ukraine is desired by "high-ranking individuals of American origin."

High-ranking individuals of American origin are speaking about this (...). Is it normal? They want us to destroy each other—he said.