Belarusian President Lukashenko grants pardon to nine protesters

Belarusian President Lukashenko grants pardon to nine protesters

2011-08-12 10:27:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

MINSK (BNO NEWS) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned nine people who participated in mass anti-government protests last December, a statement from the presidential press service said on Thursday.

"The decision on clemency was taken following the requests from these persons, taking into account the fact that they recognized the illegality of their actions, pleaded guilty and repented sincerely," the statement said.

More than 600 citizens of Belarus were detained after the December 19 demonstration in central Minsk following the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for more than 15 years. The United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus over the post-election crackdown.

Most of the detainees were charged with administrative offenses, but dozens of criminal cases were initiated over the protests, including several against former presidential candidates.

In addition, hundreds of people were arrested throughout Belarus last month for taking part in street protests against Lukashenko's government and its economic policies. The former Soviet republic has been gripped by a severe financial crisis and was forced to devalue its currency by 36 percent in May.

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