MINSK (Realist English). Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 123 foreign nationals following agreements reached with U.S. President Donald Trump and at Washington’s request, Belarus’ state news agency BELTA reported, citing the presidential press service.
According to the statement, the decision was taken “within the framework of agreements reached with President Donald Trump and at his request,” in connection with the lifting of what Minsk describes as “illegal sanctions” against Belarus’ potash industry imposed under the previous U.S. administration, as well as the practical launch of a broader process to remove other sanctions against Belarus.
The pardoned individuals are citizens of various countries who had been convicted under Belarusian law for crimes of different categories, including espionage, terrorism and extremist activities, the press service said.
Minsk described the move as both a political and humanitarian gesture. It was also carried out following appeals from other heads of state and was motivated by “humanitarian principles and universal human and family values,” the statement said.
Belarusian authorities added that the pardons are intended to accelerate a positive dynamic in relations with partner countries and to contribute to stabilising the situation in the wider European region.
Including decisions announced by Lukashenko in late November, the total number of pardoned individuals in recent weeks has reached 156, according to BELTA.
Those released include citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, Australia and Japan.
