In connection with May 9, Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 42 people who were convicted of so-called «extremist-oriented» crimes, reported «Belta».
Among those pardoned — 18 women and 24 men. Of these, 13 people have chronic illnesses, one — has a disability. Twenty-four have minor children, two — are from large families. Ten are over 50 years old, one has reached retirement age.
The president's administration stated that all pardoned individuals admitted guilt, repented, and submitted personal petitions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is tasked with monitoring their «law-abiding behavior».
This is the third pardon this year. In early January, Lukashenko pardoned 23 convicted on «extremist» charges, and at the end of January — another 15. As noted by human rights activists, last year there were eight group pardons, releasing about 250 people.
According to the human rights center «Vyasna», 1193 people are recognized as political prisoners in Belarus.