President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has signed the law "On Amnesty in connection with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders". This was reported to BELTA by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
The law is adopted for the purpose of implementing the principle of humanism and in connection with a significant date in the history of the Republic of Belarus.
The document defines the categories of persons subject to release from punishment, convicted of crimes not classified as grave or particularly grave: minors, pregnant women, women and single men with children under 18 years of age, persons who have reached the generally established retirement age, disabled persons of groups I and II, patients with oncological diseases, combat veterans, persons who sustained injuries during their service or official activities, victims of the Chernobyl disaster, as well as certain other categories of convicted persons.
For certain categories of convicted persons (including those who committed crimes provided for by parts 1, 2, and 3 of Article 328 of the Criminal Code) who are not subject to release, a reduction in the term of punishment by 1 year is provided, and for minors – by 2 years.
Taking into account the established practice of applying amnesty, it does not apply to persons who have been subjected to amnesty or pardon during 2014-2019 and who have committed an intentional crime again; who have not fully compensated for the harm (damage) caused by crimes, have not paid income obtained by criminal means; who maliciously violate the procedure for serving sentences; convicted of crimes against peace and security of mankind, murder, intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm, corruption crimes, criminal acts of a sexual nature, banditry, terrorism, mass riots, violation of traffic rules while intoxicated, resulting in death or grievous bodily harm, crimes related to illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, and a number of other crimes characterized by high public danger.
It is expected that about 6,000 convicted persons will be released from criminal punishment, including about 2,000 people from places of deprivation of liberty.
The law enters into force on the day of its official publication and is to be executed within nine months from the date of its entry into force.