"No one can force me." Lukashenko on the reasons for pardoning so-called "political prisoners"

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting on current domestic policy issues and preparation for political campaigns, spoke about the reasons for pardoning several dozen people whom his opponents considered political prisoners, BELTA correspondent reports.

"We see that the main thing for them is to receive grants, money. They don't care about anything, not even about the issues for which they should actually live. Well, take the so-called political prisoners. How many times has it been said: we have no political charges, and we have not convicted anyone under political charges, because they simply do not exist. There are no 'political prisoners'. Alright. Well, then fight for these 'political prisoners,' - the head of state noted.

Alexander Lukashenko recalled that recently he had twice issued decisions, which were publicly announced, regarding the pardon of several dozen so-called political prisoners. "Well, they should have rejoiced (the opponents. - BELTA note), at least expressed their gratitude. Instead, they are concerned with proving to themselves and to those abroad that they made a huge contribution and 'forced the dictator' to make such decisions," the President noted. "First of all, no one can force me. That is excluded. I often tell journalists and others: you know me well, I have never made decisions under instructions or pressure."

As for the pardon of specific individuals, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that these were his decisions, and there were various reasons for them. "Some fell ill, some can no longer go for walks, unlike how they briskly strolled along the avenues. Well, anything can happen in life. Some no longer pose any danger. Some have completely lost their minds; their thinking became twisted - they came out (in 2020. - BELTA note), trying to stage coups on the streets of Minsk. Well, all sorts of things happen in life. We saw such people. Why keep them there, feeding them at the state's expense? We released them. They are under full control of law enforcement agencies here," the Belarusian leader said.

He stated that instead of expressing gratitude, opponents abroad are, on the contrary, unhappy with this development. "They are unhappy that these people have been released. Why are they unhappy? Well, Americans and others tell them: guys, where were you, what was your contribution? There was none. So then there is no money either, i.e., as journalists correctly noted: the longer someone stays in less remote places, the better for them. So we need to openly tell them about this," Alexander Lukashenko said.

Source: belta.by