Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko dismisses fake news spread by self-exiled opposition in the West at meeting with Coale

MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko dispelled fake news about so-called political prisoners at a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale in Minsk on 15 September, BelTA has learned.

“John, and one more remark. There has been a great deal of talk before our meeting here about the release of, as you call them, political prisoners. Although I once again urge you not to be misled. There are no political prisoners in Belarus, because there is no such article in our legislation. But there is a lot of talk about this: about the release of people who (as a lawyer and attorney, you understand this perfectly well) are under investigation by law or are in correctional labor colonies,” the head of state said. “I am leading you to the main point. Our self-exiled opposition is pushing this narrative in the West, and from what I gather, they have convinced you that we release someone here but, while continuing repression, detain twice as many people in their place. I want to tell you publicly that this is an absolute lie.”

“We have no goal of sending new people to correctional labor colonies in place of those released. We do not have such a problem. We do not do this and will not do it. These are our Belarusians,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that certain individuals, regardless of their citizenship, can be detained and held accountable only if they have committed offences: “If any of the citizens of Belarus, and non-citizens present here, violate Belarusian laws, we will certainly respond in accordance with the law. And if they deserve to be under investigation or in correctional labor colonies, they will remain there.”

“But this is absolutely unrelated to politics. We have no need to politically persecute anyone today. There is absolutely no need. Because all processes in Belarus are under control,” the head of state added.

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