GOMEL, 10 March (BelTA) – Several women have been pardoned by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. They were released from prison in Gomel where they were serving their sentences.
All of them said they regretted what they had done. They will soon meet with their relatives and loved ones. These women were convicted for various illegal acts related to protest activities.
One of those pardoned, Anastasia, is glad to be out of jail. She is only 20 years old and she was given another chance. The girl was convicted for violence against the police. She was sentenced to two years in prison, but served about a year.
“I am only 20 years old. I understand that I still have my whole life ahead of me. It was a mistake. A mistake that I will not make again,” the girl assured.
Natalya, another pardoned convict, was imprisoned for insulting the president. She deeply regrets it. “It all happened because I was overwhelmed with emotions. Back then I, perhaps, did not even understand what I was saying. I am very sorry. It did not mean it,” she said.
The woman is from Brest, she is a health worker who took care of the elderly. She has a daughter and two little grandchildren.
“Thanks God. I want to thank the president for allowing us to return home,” the pardoned woman said. “It's hard to be here without a family and loved ones. Being pardoned by the president is the best gift ever. There are probably no more such gifts in life,” she added.
Lyudmila was also among the pardoned women. She admitted that she had been wrong and showed regret. About ten years ago, the woman was an entrepreneur - she kept a bridal salon, and then started helping homeless animals. She plans to continue doing it in the future.
According to Lyudmila, one should stay away from comments on social media, and try to do something useful instead: “Deeds are more important than words. When you do something, people see it, and there is no need to write about it. I wish this world were kinder.”
Alla was also among the lucky ones to leave the Gomel prison. Very soon the woman will reunite with her family and loved ones. The main conclusion that she made was that one should stick to one's own opinion instead of being guided by someone else's. And one should not get emotional.
“I hope I will not make such mistakes in the future. You should always stick to your opinion,” Alla said.
One of the most difficult moments for her in prison was the lack of communication with loved ones, her children. Alla ended up in prison for comments, for insulting the authorities. She admitted that she was carried away by emotions of people around her.
Before the imprisonment, the woman worked as a cashier in a store. Now she plans to go on with her life, to take care of her family and find a job.
