Belarus leader pardons 37 prisoners convicted of 'extremism'

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Monday pardoned 37 prisoners convicted of "extremist offenses"—a term Minsk uses to describe political prisoners—as part of a new round of amnesties.

"Ahead of National Unity Day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 37 more people convicted of extremist offenses," state media Belta reported. The decree includes individuals with chronic illnesses and pensioners.

AFP