Alexander Lukashenko Pardons 16 People, Including Those Convicted of “Extremism”

Ahead of Belarus’ Independence Day, President Alexander Lukashenko granted pardons to 16 individuals convicted of various crimes, including those classified as “extremist,” Orda.kz reports, citing his press office.

The statement noted that the group included eight women and eight men. Three of them are over the age of 50, two have chronic illnesses, and one is disabled. 

Nine of the pardoned individuals have underage children. This is Lukashenko’s second round of pardons in recent weeks.

Earlier, following a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s special representative, he pardoned 14 political prisoners, including opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky.