Opinion: a person is not treated as a tool for achieving political goals in Belarus
An amnesty timed to the National Unity Day – which will be celebrated for the 17th time in Belarus since 1991 – was discussed at a meeting with the President’s participation on September 6th. According to the Head of State, it may be applied to those who misstepped, committed crimes by negligence, performed minor illegal or protest-focused acts. Political expert Vadim Borovik shared his views on the topic.
In his talk with Alfa Radio, the expert explained what needs to be paid attention to, “Those who illegally accused Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Central Election Commission should primarily appeal to Aleksandr Grigoryevich and recognise him as the legitimate Head of State. In this way, they will admit that their activities were illegal – and the question will be removed. It is also necessary to pay attention to how a person behaved in a correctional institution, whether he was involved in disciplinary sanctions there, whether he performed any other actions that could be a reason for not holding an amnesty. Meanwhile, if a citizen endangered people's lives by his actions is quite another matter. There should be a committed position in this regard.”
Mr. Borovik believes each case should be studied on the individual basis, “The President is right: we cannot treat all alike. We a humane state, and we cannot treat a person as a tool for achieving political or other goals. People’s well-being and lives have always been our goals. It is necessary to give a chance to those who misstepped, who recognise their guilt, who are ready to appeal to the Head of State with a request for pardon and who are ready to work here.”
