Lukashenko signs pardon for 18

According to a new decree by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, 18 convicts are awaiting release. Among them are 15 individuals who admitted guilt, and three women, six of whom have children, including persons with disabilities and those undergoing ongoing medical rehabilitation. Also included among the pardoned is a woman in the final stages of pregnancy, several married couples, and one convict who committed a crime at the age of 16. All individuals submitted petitions for pardon, and the country's Supreme Court approved the decision.

The presidential decree states that the granted releases concern crimes with extremist motivations, and emphasizes that their admission of wrongdoing was a factor, requiring appropriate conditions for the restoration of freedom. It is also reported that the decree is aimed not only at humanitarian considerations but also at the necessity of maintaining law and order and public safety.

When signing the decree, Alexander Lukashenko clarified that the issue of presidential veto power within the judicial system and the priorities of state governance in responding to serious criminal cases was raised.

Context

In Belarus, there have previously been instances of mass pardons associated with political control and maintaining public order.