Lukashenko says ready to pardon opposition protesters in 2020

January 21, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with workers of Minsk Automobile Plant that he was ready to sign a decree on pardoning the participants of opposition protests in 2020, if citizens forgive them.

The Belarusian leader emphasized that one should be able to forgive people, but those who can be forgiven.

"It's not me who should forgive, although I have the right to pardon any person under the Constitution. But I didn't take up for it. <...> So you make a decision and report to me. If the decision is positive, I will sign the decree. No - so, no," BelTA quoted him.

Lukashenko specified that he didn't sign the decree, because the protesters "created inconvenience" to the citizens of the country. He emphasized that everyone should answer according to the law, especially those who "broke, crumbled, ran ahead and called for them, rushed with an axe.

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December 28, 2024, Lukashenko pardoned 20 people who had been convicted of extremist crimes. It was reported that all convicts had applied for pardon and expressed remorse for their actions.

In 2020, presidential elections were held in Belarus, which was won by the incumbent head of state. The opposition did not agree with the voting results, and protests were held in the country.