Lukashenka Approves Amnesty Bill

Who's included in it?

The bill on amnesty in connection with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders has been approved by Lukashenka, the document has been submitted to the "parliament," the Belarus-1 state television channel said.

It is reported that the amnesty will affect the so-called privileged categories of citizens:

minors,

pregnant women,

single parents raising children under 18,

disabled and terminally ill.

Also, those who have merits to the country can count on amnesty:

Soldiers who took part in the warfare,

the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident.

But those convicted for drug-related crimes can't expect an amnesty. Responding to the questions of "deputies" after the message, on April 19, Lukashenka said that there would be no amnesty for drug producers or distributors, Radio Svaboda reminds.

Amnesty for those convicted for drug trafficking is required by the Mothers 328 movement. The activists of the movement, whose children are serving their sentences for drugs, have organized several rallies near the "parliament" to get this issue taken into account. And now several activists are on a hunger strike, demanding a review of the anti-drug legislation. The problem is that even for small portions of drugs people are given long prison sentences.

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus together with the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General's Office have developed a draft law on pardon on request of Lukashenka. It is expected that it will be considered on June 26 at the session of the "house of representatives". After consideration by the "deputies," the project will be submitted to the "council of the republic," followed by Lukashenka's signing.

The last amnesty was held 4 years ago. This year, about 10-12 thousand people may be included in the amnesty.