MINSK, 13 March (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the topic of releasing so-called political prisoners in the context of talks with the USA as he spoke to the media on 13 March, BelTA has learned
“We are discussing our bilateral relations, ranging from the restoration of normal embassy operations to the release of so-called political prisoners. Although we have no political prisoners here,” the head of state said. “I tell them, as I say here: if anyone tries to repeat 2020, and we all went through a lot together in 2020, the response will be extremely harsh. I’ll say more: without regard for any laws. I will respond in the harshest possible way.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that he must act as necessary, and above all, in the name of children and future generations. “That’s all. A human approach. Based on the experience you’ve accustomed me to and taught me,” he said.
The head of state stated that the issue of releasing prisoners comes up in negotiations with the United States: “Yes, they want to have them released. I told them jokingly: ‘Guys, I understand you, you want to release those you once hired to overthrow us’.”
“Well, are we going to dwell on this and stand against each other? Times are changing. We have to live. And the issue isn’t about me. The issue is about the country,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Yes, they are pushing this topic of political prisoners, including at the instigation of our self-exiled opposition. 100, 200… I don’t know how many of them there are. For them, this number keeps increasing,” the president said.
He emphasized that such people are not being expelled from Belarus, but they must abide by the law. “They [negotiators] are asking us to have no complaints against them and, God forbid, not to lock them up again. I tell them: ‘We’ll lock them up. The second they break the law - same as everybody else’. We jailed a minister the other day, but we’re going to go easy on them? The law is the same for everyone. You break the law, you answer. That’s the kind of frank conversation it was,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “They want to stay, fine. But only within the framework of the existing legal order.”
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