Lukashenko pardons 15 convicts

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 convicts, 13 of whom committed extremist crimes. This is reported by BelTA with reference to the press service of the head of the republic.

The ten pardoned are women. The names of those released from punishment are still unknown. All the convicts filed petitions for pardon, pleaded guilty, and promised to lead a “right-obedient lifestyle,” BelTA reports.

The United States has been negotiating for more than a year with Belarus to release opposition activists and journalists in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions. On September 15, Mr. Lukashenko received in Minsk the representative of US President Donald Trump, John Cole. Following the talks, Mr. Cole said that the United States agreed to lift sanctions against the Belarusian companies Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. Minsk, in turn, promised to release 25 prisoners.