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Lukashenko pardons 20 people convicted of extremism

The Belarusian president last granted pardon to more than 30 individuals convicted of extremist offenses in November of this year

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko Gavriil Grigorov/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

© Gavriil Grigorov/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

MINSK, December 28. /TASS/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 20 individuals convicted of extremist-related crimes, the Belarusian leader's press service said in a statement.

"All of them petitioned for clemency and repented of their actions," the statement reads.

Of those pardoned, 11 are women, 14 individuals with chronic illnesses, ten have children, and one woman is a mother of four.

It was noted that the Interior Ministry will monitor their conduct following their release.

Lukashenko last granted pardon to more than 30 individuals convicted of extremist offenses in November of this year. Several other prisoners had also been pardoned earlier. Lukashenko emphasized that the pardons for those convicted of participating in protests in Belarus in 2020 were driven by humanitarian considerations rather than efforts to improve relations with the West.

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