Lukashenko pardons 30 people convicted of protest-related crimes

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed a decree on 16 August to pardon 30 persons, who had been convicted of crimes of the protest variety, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.

Those pardoned include 14 women and 16 men. Some of them suffer from serious illnesses. Some are retirement-age people.

All of them have admitted their guilt, sincerely repented their deeds, and undertaken to live their lives in line with the legislation. The Internal Affairs Ministry will ensure control over the fulfillment of such commitments upon instructions of the head of state.

The signed act of pardon is actually a chance for these individuals to rehabilitate themselves before the state and the general public.