Фото: president.gov.by
Alyaksandr Lukashenka spoke about negotiations with the United States during which the issue of releasing political prisoners is being discussed. Answering journalists’ questions, he said that the meetings also address the restoration of the normal work of the US embassy, BelTA writes.
“We are discussing our bilateral relations, starting from restoring the normal work of the embassy to the release of the so-called political prisoners. Although we do not have such articles,” he said. “And I say both there and here: if someone tries to repeat 2020 — and we all experienced it in 2020 — the reaction will be the harshest. I will say more: without looking at any laws. I will react to this in the harshest way.”
Lukashenka said he must act as necessary, above all “in the name of children and future generations.”
“That’s all. A human approach. Based on the experience you have accustomed and taught me,” he said.
“Yes, they want to release them. I jokingly told them: ‘Guys, I understand you — you want to free those whom you once hired to overthrow us,’” the politician added. “So what, are we going to live like this and stand against each other? Times are changing. We have to live. And the issue is not about me. The issue is about the country.”
“Yes, they keep pushing this topic of political prisoners, including at the suggestion of our fugitives. Fine: 100, 200… I do not know how many there are. Their number keeps increasing,” he said.
According to him, those who are released are not expelled from Belarus but must obey the law.
“So that you have no complaints about them and, God forbid, do not imprison them again [the negotiators ask]. I say: ‘We will imprison them. As soon as they violate the letter of the law — just like everyone else.’ What, a minister was jailed yesterday or the day before, and we should look at them differently? The law is the same for everyone. Break the law — go. That is the frank conversation,” Lukashenka said. “If they want to stay — please. But within the existing legal framework.”