MINSK, 21 October (BelTA) - Amnesty is the right of a strong state, Belarusian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Chief of the Criminal Police Gennady Kazakevich told reporters following a preliminary discussion of the bill "On amnesty in connection with the People's Unity Day" in parliament, BelTA has learned.
"In general, amnesty as an act of humanity is the right of a strong state. This suggests that the Belarusian statehood and the Belarusian society are ready for this. We have had more than a dozen amnesties since 1991. Over the past three years, there have been two amnesties," Gennady Kazakevich said.
A certain share of people who have been amnestied or pardoned recommits crimes. "In specific terms, this is almost 6% of all crimes committed. Unfortunately, not all citizens manage to rebuild their lives and are rearrested," the deputy minister said.
The event was attended by representatives of government bodies, public associations, political parties and other members of the public.
