A. Lukashenko may soon make a decision on pardoning some convicts, who are considered political prisoners in the West

April 5, Minsk /Vladimir Matveev - BELTA/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko may soon make a decision on pardoning some convicts whom the West considers political prisoners. The head of state announced this today at a meeting on foreign policy issues, a BELTA correspondent reports. "There has been a lot of talk recently about so-called political prisoners. We do not have political articles in our Criminal Code," the President emphasized. He noted that even opposition media outlets are now openly stating that pressuring Lukashenko is futile. "This is correct. But they go on to say incorrectly that if you pressure him, he will do the opposite. Complete nonsense. I have never acted out of any personal ambitions. I will act as the Constitution and laws dictate. There can be no 'opposite'," the Belarusian leader noted. "And the fact that one should behave more decently when asking for something or even demanding it is correct, especially if you are demanding or asking something from the President. There is no need to come here with sticks and bang on the window." Regarding the so-called political prisoners, Alexander Lukashenko noted that their relatives are starting to reproach him for promising to pardon them but not having done so yet. "There is one reason. As soon as I mentioned this (and this was said several months ago), everyone started shouting. But I warned that the issue of pardoning so-called political prisoners is, first and foremost, their appeal for a pardon. I immediately said this publicly. If you don't want to apply, no one will consider it. Sit there," the President said. As Alexander Lukashenko noted, after this statement, there were talks that the pardon requests were written under some kind of pressure. "And I instructed the relevant officials to check: did they write the pardon request of their own free will, or were they actually forced to. The other day, I was provided with information, including videos, where they frankly and honestly say: 'No, it was our will.' Some one or two did not want to write. Well, that's their choice. Let them sit," the head of state said. "Regarding those who have applied for a pardon, I will consider these issues in the near future. No one will reproach me for not fulfilling my obligations or promises. We will make a decision on some individuals who have finally realized the perniciousness of their position and policy towards their own state," the Belarusian leader stated. -0-