MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the prospects of political amnesty in Belarus at the government conference held on 28 January to discuss the improvement of legislation, BelTA has learned.
“Today some people are whining and moaning: amnesty, political amnesty, and so on. Political amnesty will take place tomorrow if anybody shows me at least one political article in our Criminal Code and proves that they were convicted or apprehended for political motives. I will pardon them immediately,” the president said.
“Listen, we need to stop this twaddle. I told them, as I visited the detention center, when they asked me about their release from jail, that they should return everything they had stolen from the people. Then we will talk, and I will try to answer your question. I have been waiting since then,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “But I am a person in the know. I know that these issues were discussed with relatives. Those protestors (protest leaders) had an opportunity – but they grudge the money.”
“Therefore, don't indulge in illusions: political prisoners, amnesty and so on. If a person does not want to be in prison for economic and financial crimes, i.e. criminal offences, they give everything they have. We have shown everything. No – the court will decide. It's up to the court to decide. That's all I can say about political and other amnesty,” the Belarusian leader concluded.
