President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko demanded to prove to him the presence of political prisoners in the country. Only in this case a political amnesty is possible, he said. BelTA informs about it on January 28.
“Tomorrow there will be a political amnesty if someone shows me at least one political article in our Criminal Code. And that they are convicted or detained, arrested for political reasons. I will pardon them immediately,” Lukashenko said.
According to the president, at a meeting in the pre-trial detention center, the opposition asked when they would be released, and he suggested first returning “everything that was stolen from the people.” “I’m waiting, sir. I’m still waiting, sir …” – Lukashenko noted.
He claims that those arrested discussed these issues with their relatives. “These protestors (leaders) had such an opportunity – it’s a pity for money,” Lukashenka assures.
He added that if a person does not want to sit for an economic crime, he must “give the last.” “We have shown everything that is. No – the court will decide. As the court decides, so it will be. That’s the whole political or other amnesty,” the politician concluded.
Presidential elections were held in Belarus on August 9. The CEC said that Lukashenka won 80 percent of the vote. This caused massive protests that have lasted for almost six months. A number of oppositionists were arrested or fled the country.
One of the contenders for the presidency, ex-head of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko, was taken into custody back in June on charges of transferring large sums of money abroad.