Lukashenka releases four Square convicts (photo)
Ales Kirkevich, Andrei Pratasenya, Aleh Hnedchyk and Dzmitry Daronin have been pardoned. The other political prisoners are expected to be released in September.
The convicts have repented, understood the illegal nature of their actions and have expressed their readiness to stick to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus”, - informs BelaPAN quoting Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s press service.
According to Euroradio, Young Front member Ales Kirkevich, member of Yaraslau Ramanchuk’s initiative group Andrei Pratasenya, civil activist Aleh Hnedchyk and Dmitry Daronin have been pardoned. It is known that convicted ex-presidential candidates Mikalai Statkevich, Dzmitry Us and Andrei Sannikau have not pled for mercy.
Andrei Pratasenya has returned home.
Live interview with Andrei Pratasenya:
According to Reuters, Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s secret meeting with Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Mladenov took place last week. The latter sent a letter to the EU leaders after it. According to it, the Belarusian leader has promised to release all political prisoners by October and to organize a round-table discussion with the opposition. The situation in Belarus and Lukashenka’s promises are said to be discussed by the EU Foreign Ministers soon.
Friends and journalists met Aleh Hnedchyk at Minsk railway terminal.
Let us remind you that 9 Square convicts were pardoned on August 9: Zmitser Drozd, Artsyom Hrybkou, Syarhei Kazakevich, Vasil Parfyankou, Uladzimir Yaromenak, Yauhen Sakret, Vital Matsukevich, Alyaksandr Kvyatkevich and “informer” Uladzimir Hamichenka.
Meanwhile, about 30 people imprisoned for mass riots including ex-presidential candidates Andrei Sannikau, Mikola Statkevich and Dzmitry Us are still behind bars.
